V<' ^W*t ir A 0 \ Lieutenant-Colonel 104th Ills. Vol. Inf.. 1862. THE HISTORY OF THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH REGIMENT OF ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. WAR OF THE GREAT REBELLION 1562-1565 BY WILLIAM W1RT CALKINS FIRST LIEUTENANT OF COMPANY E, ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH REGIMENT, AND AIDE DE CAMP STAFF OF GENERAL JOHN BEATTY. HISTORICAL COMMITTEE. FRANK M. SAPP, JOHN H. WIDMER, MILTON B. BUSHNELL, WILLIAM W. CALKINS. CHICAGO: DONOHUE & HENNEBERRY, PRINTERS, ENGRAVERS AND BINDERS, 1895. E505 -5 PREFACE. Comrades : — Those of you who have attended the annual reunions of the One Hundred and Fourth are familiar with the measures taken to insure the writing and publication of the military history of the Regiment in the war of the Great Rebellion. Nearly thirty years had rolled away and nothing in the matter accomplished, while all felt that the work had been neglected too long. The ranks were growing thinner from year to year as one and another answered to the "roll call" above. The survivors had passed, or were passing into the sere and yellow leaf of autumn. There was a conviction — in which I earnestly shared, that the glorious record of the One Hundred and Fourth should be embodied in the- permanent form of history, in order that it might be- handed down to our children and those wrho wrill soon-, follow us on the stage of human action, to show them the sacrifices made, the sufferings and labors endured,, that the Union might be preserved and the blessings of liberty maintained and secured, for them and man kind. At the annual reunion held in Streator, in Sep tember, 1892, all the previous feeble attempts to initiate the movement for a history assumed definite shape in the "Resolutions" presented upon that occasion. These were heartily and unanimously adopted and more than one-half of the money required for expenses subscribed then and there. By a process which seems like a fatality, the choice of an Historian to chronicle your achievements, fell upon the writer. I desire to say, that whatever the wisdom that led to this result,. I did not evade a call that seemed like a duty. Under such circumstances the task was undertaken and has. been carried forward under difficulties and discourage ments hard to appreciate, as well as at the sacrifice of personal interests. It is now completed, and in writing MJL67387 the History my aim has been to show clearly what the .Regiment accomplished as a part of the Grand Armies of the Union, by detailing minutely your movements, •campaigns and battles; to tell the truth and the facts, and to write without prejudice. Where I have expressed opinions it is without prejudice. An endeavor has been made to give credit where it is due, but it will be seen that, with the means of infor mation at hand, after thirty years, it could riot always be done. My attempts to reach every surviving sol- l Scott doubled the pickets and guards, and every man took extra care to have his musket and cartridge box handy in case of a night attack. The events of Saturday, the 22d, proved to be the most interesting and important of any yet experienced. Early in the day the scouts and pickets reported that rebel cavalry were hovering around, apparently in force, in consequence of which Colonel Scott ordered the command to remain closely in quarters ready to respond to the "long roll" at a moment's notice. In the latter part of the afternoon a detachment of the One Hundred and Sixth Ohio, doing picket duty, was suddenly attacked, one man killed, one mortally wounded, and six captured, but the enemy advanced no further. Aroused by the firing and the long roll, the Brigade immediately formed in line of battle, where it remained until one o'clock Sunday morning, at which hour the scouts returned and reported the rebels •encamped three miles from the town. Colonel Scott at once sent the One Hundred and Fourth in pursuit. The Regiment started, but owing to the darkness and rough roads or paths, marched slowly. The rebel camp was surrounded and closed in upon, but the enemy had again fled, warned, no doubt, by friends. Much chagrined, we retraced our steps to Tompkinsville, arriving early in the morning. We were permitted to pass Sunday in quiet, but vigilance was not relaxed. Mail arrived from Bowling- Green, and news of the death at that place of Rufus E. C. Hurin, of Company D. The One Hundred and Fourth was further saddened by the death here in our midst of Stephen Walters, of Company E, who died this morning of disease. In the afternoon of to-day he was buried with military honors in a soldier's grave. To die in battle may be regarded without emotion, and is expected, but to waste away with slow disease and die in a hostile land, far from home and friends, is inexpressibly sad. These were among the first deaths that had occurred in the One Hundred and Fourth. 52 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH Notwithstanding the fact that the Thirty-ninth Brigade was not excited by alarms on the 23d, enough had been developed to fill all with high expectation of still more important events. It became known to a few on Monday that Colonel Scott had received orders on Sunday evening to march at once. And he would have done so, but hesitated on account of the supply train that had gone to Cave City for rations, but had not returned, and he felt some anxiety about it. But on Monday he sent a courier to turn the train toward Bowling Green, and resolved to break camp in the evening at all events. However we were destined to enjoy a little more excitement before making our final departure. Kebel cavalry suddenly appeared in force at noon in front of the pickets and in sight of our camp, and some desultory firing commenced, in which the pickets stood their ground, aided by our small detachment of cav alry, and succeeded in capturing one man, who said the enemy was the rebel Colonel Scott's cavalry, TOO strong, and represented that another force was advanc ing on the Scottsville road. Upon hearing the firing the long roll was beaten and brought the Brigade into line on the double quick. Colonel Moore, by order of Colonel Scott, directed Companies A and B to be deployed to the right and front, and Company H to the left, as skirmishers, all under Major Widmer. The rest of the Brigade was formed in line of battle in a good position by Colonel Scott. While these movements were being executed artillery firing was heard on our left front. But, knowing from the sound of the guns that they were small ones, called "Mountain howitz ers," (or, in army parlance, "Jackass howitzers") we were more amused than alarmed by 'this part of the show. Meantime Colonel Scott and staff were doing some rapid riding and reconnoitering in the direction of the enemy and making such new dispositions of the Brigade as circumstances suggested. But no further demonstration was made by the enemy, who had retired REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. to the woods. To pursue them would have been use less, and we had no artillery, much to Colonel Scott's regret. Having stood in line until nine in the evening, we were marched back to camp, and here met with an order to be ready to march in half an hour. This order met with a cool reception by the One Hundred and Fourth, most of whom were not aware of the order before mentioned. It looked like running away in the face of the enemy, a "skedaddle" in fact, and the Regiment having come down here to fight did not relish giving up the promising prospect of a nice little brush with the enemy. There was much grumbling. The baggage was scattered around in the tents, and as five of our twelve wagons had been sent to Cave City, much had to be left behind, also all of the sick —quite a number. These were quartered in the houses of Union men in the town, and would probably be captured. But, packing up in haste, the Thirty-ninth Brigade, at ten o'clock, filed out of camp and the town, and in a short time was lost to view — even of itself— in the darkness of the forest, As we were traversing the narrow "trace" with thick brush and trees on each side, the thought occurred that here was a splendid opportunity for the enemy to attack. But all were ready — half expecting it. The Brigade Was kept w^ell closed up and frequently halted to await the arrival of the wagons which encountered numerous difficul ties. At two o'clock a halt was made until daylight, and in five minutes every man except the guards, rolled up in his blanket, was sound asleep, alike oblivious to friend or foe. At daylight of the 25th we found that "our flag wras still there," and also learned to our surprise that the Brigade, though having marched ten miles in the night, was but three from the camp we had left so hastily. The guide had purposely or ignorantly misled us. This news did not fall pleasantly on our ears. After a hasty lunch the march was resumed at seven o'clock, and continued until ten, when a halt was made for break- 54 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH fast. The Brigade then moved slowly along all day over very rough roads, but amidst much fine scenery, as we were now entering the mountain region of Ken tucky. When we bivouacked at night we had marched only ten miles since ten o'clock. The civilization of this section was of a very primitive type as regarded houses and people. There were corn, cotton and tobacco patches at intervals, and we were pleased to see many apple and peach orchards, with fruit still on the trees, thus giving us an opportunity to make our scant half rations whole ones, and it was not neglected. Some averred, also, that they found a superior article of apple jack, also peach brandy, which was not dis puted. The Brigade moved early on the 26th over much rougher roads than before and through valleys where the hills four or five hundred feet high looked to us like mountains. At noon we crossed the Barren river by wading and halted for dinner. We then moved on and soon after passed the state line into Tennessee. The camp at night was in a favorable locality, being- near an orchard, and where good cured tobacco was abundant. Resuming the march early on the 27th, our route led us over the wildest and most mountainous country yet seen, and- nearly all day through "Goose Creek Val ley," a locality never to be forgotten. We saw few white men, but plenty of the native product of the gentler (?) sex — heaven save the mark! — also negroes. Some of these women gave the boys, as they marched along, their opinions of "Yankees," and used those natural weapons of war, viz. : their tongues, in a most regardless and profane manner. However, the One Hundred and Fourth was composed of gentlemen, and they seldom replied, but maintained the same meek composure they would have displayed when listening to a curtain lecture at home or a chiding from their sweethearts for some fancied neglect. The phlegmatic Dutchmen were unaffected — not understanding the mountain jargon of these women. At all events not REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 55 one of them dropped a goose or chicken in consequence. We marched on, and let no one suppose that this Thanksgiving Day remained uncelebrated by us in the wild mountains of Tennessee. In memoriam, we were thankful and joyful, and fortunately the circum stances were favorable to our purpose. This valley literally teemed with an abundance of all those things which Ave had been accustomed to see enter into the menu of the great National festival day at home, such as turkeys, chickens, geese, pigs, and fruits, in quan tity. There were also some other products we had read about and had had some previous acquaintance with, to wit, apple-jack and peach brandy. Here was the "still" "whose worm dieth not," from which flowed liquids almost as abundant and easy to obtain as the pure water of the mountain rills flowing at our feet. The "Happy Valley" of "Rasselas," so vividly described by Dr. Johnson, could not have produced a purer or more exhilarating article, nor one better calculated to awaken the latent emotions of the soul on a great occasion. Such was the opinion of our experts, for it cannot be denied that we had among us some who were well qualified to judge. Colonel Scott, being in a good humor from having escaped a possible catastrophe at Tompkinsville, also appreciating the day and the advantages of Goose Creek valley as a camp, graciously ordered a halt at 4 p. m., and we camped in a lovely meadow almost entirely surrounded by mountains a thousand feet high. On their craggy sides were perched here and there the huts of the "mountaineers," and around each was a small clearing devoted to the raising of corn and tobacco, Avith some apple and peach trees. The Bri gade was in a good humor to-night. Some of the One Hundred and Fourth — and all of the Dutch, who had been marching and celebrating all day, came in not only happy, but prepared to give the coup de grace to the last hours from well filled canteens. As a chef d'oeuvre an order from Brigade headquarters wTas issued directing that two barrels of "Mountain dew" 66 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH which the Quartermaster had confiscated be properly distributed iu the regular way. This made the bill of fare complete, and no soldier went to bed hungry or thirsty. Thus at last ended Thanksgiving in a blaze of glory! When the march was resumed on the morning of the 28th our steps had lost the springy, elastic quality displayed on the previous day. The roads seemed rougher and the scenery less charming than in Goose Creek valley, as in fact it was. The high mountains were succeeded by hills and a flatter country. This section was strongly rebel in sentiment. The following interesting remark by a woman whose house we passed was furnished to the writer by Sherman Leland. The column was marching by, when, observing a contra band in Company G, she said: "Dog on your heart, that's my nigger." She had been weeping over the loss of a mule, which caused her tears; the loss of a nigger dried them up and turned her anguish into anger. No further incident of note occurred until we had arrived within three miles of Plartsville, when we came suddenly upon a body of rebel cavalry, which retreated in haste, our advance sending some shots after them and capturing two men, who said they belonged to Colonel Bennett's command, 200 strong. At two o'clock in the afternoon the Brigade passed through the ATillage of Hartsville and encamped one mile beyond in a piece of timber land which had been partially cleared. The camp was on high ground, one hundred yards from the Cumberland river, whose banks were from fifty to one hundred feet high. The tents were pitched and fires made in them, as the weather had turned cold. We had marched fifty-five miles since leaving Tomp- kinsville on one and a half day's regular rations, but, like the Israelites of old, we had found manna provided for us on the way. The Second Brigade, First Division, which ours relieved, was still here. The wagon train sent to Cave REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. City arrived in the evening with five days' rations and a lot of ammunition. It had come via Gallatin and met with a hearty welcome. One of Colonel Scott's first acts after selecting the position for our camp, which he did after conferring with Colonel John M. Harlan, commanding the Second Brigade, was to naake out and forward his report of the Tompkinsville affair to General E. Dumont at Gallatin. This may be found in "Rebellion Records," Series I, Vol. 20, p. 14. The Second Brigade left on the 29th for Castillian Springs, leaving with us, however, a detachment of the Second Indiana Cavalry and a section of Nicklin's Bat tery (Thirteenth Indiana), also a company of the Eleventh Kentucky Cavalry — Captain Slater. The position we occupied w^as an important one, but exposed to attack. We were opposite the extreme right flank of Bragg's army, which lay at Murfrees- boro, thirty-six miles distant. Dumont, with part of the Twelfth Division, was at Gallatin, fifteen miles distant. Harlan's and Miller's Brigades were at Cas tillian Springs, the latter nine miles distant and sup posed to be within supporting distance of Hartsville. The objects sought to be accomplished were to watch the fords of the Cumberland for any crossing that might be attempted by Morgan and Forrest or by larger forces. This was the more important, as Bragg had 10,000 cavalry to Rosecrans' 4,000, and once in the rear could play havoc with our communications. Nothing of importance occurred until December 2d, on which date Colonel Scott, having been ordered to report at Naslrville, turned over the command to Colonel Moore. On assuming this responsible position Colonel Moore reorganized the staff, retaining, how ever, Captain William Y. Gholson, of the One Hundred and Sixth Ohio, as acting Assistant Adjutant General, and Lieutenant Jacob Dewalt as Aide-de-Camp. He appointed Lieutenant M. Osman A. Q. M., Lieutenant William Strawn A. C. S., Lieutenant Tewksbury A. I. G. All of these were from the One Hundred and 68 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH Fourth, and at once entered upon their duties. Lieu tenant-Colonel Hapenian now assumed command of the One Hundred and Fourth. Company A, Captain Leighton, was sent down to occupy Hartsville and keep a watchful eye on the rebel lious citizens of the village. It was certain that all were rebels and active as spies and abettors of the Confederates. The system of scouts and pickets established by Colonel Scott was maintained and further strength ened by his successor, and active reconuoissances made every day on all the roads leading into Hartsville from the other side of the river, as w^ell as those up and down that stream, which was deep, with few fords and precipitous banks. These duties employed all of the cavalry and several companies of infantry. Sleep less vigilance was to be the price of our safety. The total effective force of all arms — infantry, artil lery, and cavalry — did not exceed 1,800 men, and this included details of companies and parts of companies for the various duties, which w^ere constant and exact ing. At this time, also, many were sick in hos pital. There only remained, therefore, after making- due allowance for the above detached services, an effective force of not more than 1,200 men in camp capable of being thrown into line of battle in c.M«e of a sudden attack. All of the infantry regi ments were new, having been in the service but three months, most of which time being occu pied in marching, the opportunities for acquiring that proficiency in drill and discipline which give confi dence and effectiveness on the day of battle had been few and far between, and it is safe to say that few of the One Hundred and Fourth appreciated as yet its vital importance should it be called into action. But every man with the elements of manhood in him knew how to fight individually, had confidence in himself, and, believing the same of his comrades, naturally acquired the idea that the Regiment, when put to the test, would prove invincible. This, at least, was the REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS 59 writer's idea, and claimed with confidence to be rep resentative of the majority of our brave boys. But it was felt that not much reliance could be placed in the One Hundred and Sixth and One Hun dred and Eighth Ohio, both of which regiments could muster only about 600 men for duty. One company had not yet been provided with arms. They were also in an insubordinate condition. The One Hundred and Eighth was armed with the Austrian rifle, worthless and condemned, the locks requiring to be snapped sev eral times before the load could be discharged. Colonel Limberg, the commander, had been along with us under arrest since leaving Frankfort, and Captain Carlo Piepho now commanded. Dissensions among the officers in these regiments, utterly demoralizing to discipline, prevailed. The cavalry and artillery, com posed of a small but efficient body of men, were well officered. The week ending December 6th passed quietly. The weather had been unusually cold and there was a light snow on the ground. Rumors, which were usually abundant in camp, and a part of the pastime of the soldier's life, had been scarce of late. But it was the calm that precedes the storm. It is probably true that at Brigade headquarters information and reports were daily received, which, if known to the rank and file, would have caused anxiety. Among the older heads and veterans of experience there were no doubt appre hensions as to the safety of the Brigade and the result, should it be attacked. The fact that Colonel Moore had never been in action and was an untried quantity did not lessen any of these apprehensions. But such were carefully guarded. Lieutenant Prescott was informed by a negro three or four days previous to the battle that the rebels pro posed to attack and reported it to Colonel Moore, say ing he believed it reliable, as also the indications among the old men at the village where he was on duty, seemed to confirm it. There were besides other 60 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH suspicious circumstances, but none of the warnings appeared to be regarded. While thus lying in fancied security engaged in th* numerous duties called for day by day, that daring cavalryman and raider, General John Morgan, was, in conjunction with General Bragg, preparing his plan for the destruction or capture of the Thirty-ninth Bri gade. During the latter part of the week Lieutenant William Strawn, A. C. S,, had been sent to Gallatin with a large detail to guard the supply train for our post. On the Gth Captain W. H. Collins, of Company D, had gone with a part of his own men and other details io the wame place. Saturday night came and an unusual quietness, induced by tlie severe cold weather, prevailed in the camp and around the fires of the Thirty-ninth Brigade. The writer and Lieutenant Dewey, of Company E, were at a late hour in their tent engaged in reading and writing letters, when, as if prophetically, Dewey remarked, "You had better burn those or the Johnnies will get them." This was said jokingly, but has never been forgotten. Little did we or any one dream on that peaceful Saturday night that ere the morning sun of the approaching Sabbath should light up the hill tops of the f imiberlaii'l the i>>i-t'>n-:ioiis "long roll" would call us hastily, as from an awful nightmare, to participate in a scene of blood, carnage and death, in which the One Hundred and Fourth, after suffering a loss in killed and wounded greater than ever after ward experienced in any one battle, and covering itself with glory, was to be defeated and captured, but not disgraced. CHAPTER VII. The Battle of Hartsville, Tennessee, and Capture of the One Hundred and Fourth. In the early dawn of Sunday, December 7th, 1862, at half past six — before sunrise — and while many of the men in the camps of the Thirty-ninth Brigade were still asleep, the cry was raised, "Fall in, men, the rebels are coming." Some quick-eared soldier had heard the ominous report of guns on the picket line, and has tened to give the alarm. The first shot Avas said to have been fired by Joseph T. Oder, of Company H, who, though a stripling of seventeen, did not lose his head or fail to do his duty, but was captured before he could escape. However, there are other claimants for the honor. Simultaneously the long roll was beaten with unusual vigor. The men of the One Hun dred and Fourth, hastily seizing their overcoats, guns and equipments, fell in on the company parade grounds, and were marched from thence to the regimental color- line, where Lieutenant-Colonel Hapeman took com mand and double-quicked the Regiment to a, position on a low ridge a quarter of a mile northwest of the camp. The timber on both sides had been mostly cut down, and the ground was rocky and broken. . The One Hundred and Fourth was formed in line of battle along the crest of the ridge, and, looking across the valley, could see the enemy wheeling into line at the distance of one-fourth of a mile. The One Hundred and Sixth and One Hundred and Eighth Ohio, coming up, were placed by Adjutant-General Gholson on the right of the One Hundred and Fourth. The section of twelve pounders of Nicklin's Battery, commanded by Lieutenant Green, was placed in position on the crest, where it was amply supported by the infantry. €2 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH Meantime the enemy had begun to advance rapidly, and Company K of the One Hundred and Fourth, Com pany G, Second Indiana, commanded by Captain Palmer and Lieutenant Parsley respectively, deployed to the left flank to cover the ground between the One Hundred and Fourth and the river. The rest of the Second Indiana, under Lieutenant-Colonel Stewart, and the half company of the Eleventh Kentucky, Cap tain Slater, were ordered to cover and protect the right flank, which was capable of being easily turned. The left was guarded and made difficult to attack by a deep ravine running to the river. To more effectually pro tect the right and rear Captain Ludington was sent with Company H to operate in that quarter. Captain Leighton, w^ho was on detached duty with Company A in Hartsville, was left to fight it out on his own account. The total forces under Colonel Moore, thus disposed and awaiting the attack, did not exceed 1,200 men of all arms. In his "official report" Colonel Moore says: "My forces consisted of about 450 men of the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois, 250 effective men each of the One Hundred and Sixth and One Hundred and Eighth Ohio, 280 men of the Second Indiana and Elev enth Kentucky Cavalry, and a section of artillery." (Vide Reb. Rec., Vol. XX.) The waiter is satisfied from comparisons of all that has been published, from con versations with participants, and from personal knowl edge, and his notes made at the time, that 1,200 is a liberal figure. The enemy who confronted this small force of raw volunteers, was, as conjectured, the redoubtable General John H. Morgan with his famous cavalry under Colonel Basil Duke and other troops detached for this special occasion. In addition to six regiments of cavalry, part of which he dismounted and fought as infantry, he had the famous Second and Ninth Kentucky Infantry of Hanson's Brigade. These troops had fought at Donelson and Shiloh and were veterans. His artillery of twelve pieces was composed of Cobb's battery of twelve pounders, some rifled Ells- REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. G3 worth guns and howitzers. Vide Morgan's Report. On the march his forces had been further increased by all of the guerrilla bands and citizens in the country, making his total not less than 4,000 men. General Morgan, in pursuance of his cunning and carefully devised plan, had left Baird's Mills, twenty- five miles from Hartsville, on Saturday, and, march ing all day, reached the Cumberland near the Federal lines that evening. He occupied the rest of the night in crossing the infantry on an old boat, while Colonel Duke, with the regular cavalry, passed by a ford lower down. Another force was sent with artillery to take a position on the south bank of the river— opposite our camp and covering it— the ford and Hartsville. Still another detachment, 1,000 strong, wras ordered to dash into the village, capture or destroy the forces there and attack our rear. All of these movements were being promptly executed before and by the time that Morgan was advancing with his main army against our lines. Our vedettes had been deceived by Morgan's advance, who were dressed in the Federal uniform, and were captured without a shot. The battle opened about 7 a. m. by a desultory firing on the skirmish line. Companies K and G were soon obliged to fall back before the enemy's rapid advance, which they did in good order. Meantime the artillery opened and was at once replied to by a furious cannon ade from the rebel batteries, which made a great noise, but did little damage, as they fired too high. When Morgan's advance came within musket range the firing became general and continuous on both sides for some time. Morgan 'still advanced, but slower and there appeared to be some confusion and a perceptible waver ing in his line caused by the steady and destructive fire of our men and that of the well-served artillery, which had already disabled two caissons of the^rebel battery. At this point, and when Colonel Moore gave the order to charge, Lieutenant Green came up in haste and complained that one of his guns was without sup- 64 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH port. Looking around it was seen that the One Hun dred and Sixth had fled. On the near approach of the enemy they had fired one volley and ran. The other two regiments, however, stood firm and fired rapidly, in which they were sustained by the artillery and cav alry. But Morgan soon obliqued a part of his over whelming forces so as to turn our right flank. Then the One Hundred and Eighth became demoralized and left the field. The action had now lasted one hour, and the One Hundred and Fourth still stood firm as a rock. Many had been killed, including Adjutant-General Gholson, a brave and promising officer. The One Hundred and Fourth now supporting both pieces of artillery, and encouraged by Colonel Hape- man, Major Widmer, and all of their officers, continued the unequal contest twenty minutes longer — and until the rebels poured in on our flank and were within fifteen paces in front, so near, in fact, that we saw the whites of their eyes. Then it was that Colonel Moore, w^ho had ridden the lines all through with unflinching bravery, gave the order to retreat to the hills on the river. One of the twelve pounders was taken to the new position in safety ; the horses attached to the other having been killed, Captain Howe, of Com pany B, with some of his men tried to remove it by hand, but the rebels, observing this, fired a volley of bullets at them. Fortunately a pair of horses was near and the gun removed. The Regiment fell back in some confusion, but many turned to fire another shot as they sullenly retreated. In the new position some further firing was done as the enemy rapidly advanced on our front and flanks. But the firing had then become desul tory and produced no effect. Colonel Moore thereupon surrendered what was left, and the battle was virtu ally over. The One Hundred and Sixth and One Hun dred and Eighth had long before been taken in. Captain Leighton, with Company A, after a spirited resistance in Hartsville against a regiment of cavalry and two companies of mounted infantry, in which his REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. command killed five and wounded eight, with a loss to himself of one killed, one mortally wounded, and three wounded, was obliged to surrender. Company H, Captain Ludington, which had been sent to the right, maintained an unequal fight against superior numbers until after the main body had sur rendered, and was the last to yield. So stubborn and astounded was Captain Ludington that the rebel offi cers in admiration told him to keep his sword, which treachery afterward obliged him to give up. Meantime the rebel cavalry were occupied in gath ering in the stragglers, pillaging the camps and collect ing the spoils. They had just cause to be elated with their victory, but had paid for it dearly in killed and wounded, losing about two- hundred men. General Morgan said to one of our officers that he never saw men fight better than the One Hundred and Fourth, and that if the other regiments had done as well he should have had to withdraw. The sudden retreat of the One Hundred and Sixth and the One Hundred and Eighth gave his wavering line new courage. The battle was over. The Starry Banner had gone down in defeat, but not dishonor. The One Hundred and Fourth, crushed and humiliated, were prisoners of war. Deep as was the sting of this disaster, touching to the very quick every man in the Kegiment, yet each was conscious of having done his duty, and could point with mournful pride to the long list of killed and wounded as evidence of the stubborn conflict. The defeat at Hartsville was the inevitable conse quence of the conditions existing, some of which have been pointed out. Colonel Moore, as commander of the Brigade and of an important post, had to shoulder the blame and endure the odium of failure. It was his misfortune to hold a command for which he was unfitted by reason of inexperience, the want of confi dence on the part of many of his officers, and the absence of those military instincts which soldiers recognize and trust in. From the first honors which many a worthy and scarred veteran would prize had 66 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH been thrust upon him, and with no storms to perplex, no wily enemy to encounter or fighting to be done requiring either the natural or learned military skill of a leader, he had worn them easily. In the day of trial and grave responsibility while exhibiting per sonal bravery, he failed because he did not possess the qualities named, w^hich, had they existed, would not only have prevented the enemy from taking us by sur prise, but would have enabled him to have maneuvered his forces so as to have baffled and delayed Morgan until Harlan's brigade arrived, as it did two hours after the surrender. However, Hartsville was to be Colonel Moore's Thermopylae as a military leader. On the other hand, it can be said in extenuation that he did not seek the command. Colonel Scott, hav ing been unexpectedly ordered to Nashville, simply turned it over to him on December 2d. Neither did he receive any orders or suggestions from his superior officers in the brief period before the battle. Ninety- nine men in the hundred would have done as he did, and most likely would have met w^ith the same result. The One Hundred and Fourth lost 51 killed or mor tally wounded, and had 105 wounded; total, 156. The following list of 143 names is only partial, but all that is attainable: FIELD AND STAFF. Wounded — Adjutant R. C. Stevens, severely through the thigh. COMPANY A. Killed — Sumner N. Burnham. MortaUy wounded — Jonathan Lewis. Wounded — Patrick O'Donnell, William Buckley, L. Potter. COMPANY B. Killed — Sergeant Cromwell Woodward, Sergeant Joseph D. Porter, George Steidenger, Howard B. White. Mortally wounded — Lieutenant Moses M. Randolph, Samuel P. Clark, John C. Vail, John Reader, Lucien Stanford. Wounded — Gardner L. Chase, in the foot; Charles REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 67 A. Bradish, in hand; James McNally, in head; Fabius E. Phelps ; H. O. Graves ; James Garrison, in wrist ; Newton M. Shelton, leg amputated; Samuel W. War- nock, in shoulder ; D. J. Stanford, in ankle ; Sergeant H. L. McKinney, slight; T. Woolley, slight COMPANY C. Killed — David Berkstresser, Thomas Hastings, James H. Wilson. Mortally wounded — Peter J. Sauressig, William Van Law, Clarence Brennan, Frederick Foot, Francis Zarr. Wounded — Captain Samuel M. Heslet, in both thighs; Lieutenant Daniel C. Rynearson, in leg; Ser geant Charles K. Brown, in side; James A. Kersey, severely; L. W. Winslow, in hand; John W. Bullis, both •eyes shot out; John A. Livers, arm amputated; Charles H. Jewett ; Oscar Sayles, severely ; Robert C. Doane ; Hiram Beck, in arm; Samuel Banks, slight. COMPANY D (only one-half present). Killed — Abrani H. Austin, Jos. L. Sapp, Corporal Thos. G. Steven. Wounded — Henry B. Anderson, slightly; Robert S. Brent, slightly; John F. Bute, seriously in three places; John W. Carmony, seriously, hit five times, breaking shoulder and three ribs; Lifee H. Powers, in head; Rich ard J. Gage, seriously in leg; Henry E. Price, in hip; John Peter, slightly; Ora D. Walbridge, arm broken; Theodore P. Brown, seriously. COMPANY E. Killed — Corporal Thos. Weeks, Corporal John D. King, David V. Diehl, Edward J. Curtis, Orville L. Moorhead, Roderick D. Reed. Mortally wounded — Lieutenant Milton Strawn, George Hemenover, Samuel N. Merriam, Felix McCul- lough. Wounded — Sergeant Homer A. Wilson, in arm; David A. Wisher, in hand; Sergeant George W. Cum mins, in head; Corporal William J. Anderson, in arm; Corporal Lyman Nattinger, in neck; Benjamin Phillips, in face; Alfred Roberts, in thigh, seriously; James A. 68 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH Sherman, arm broken; Charles H. Brown, in neck; James G. Seward; William J. Daily ; C.W. Wilson; Jos. W. Conard. COMPANY F. Killed — Rees Brock, John McDougall, William Woodbury, Corporal James Spencer, Jr. W'ounded — Captain James J. McKernan, in arm, wrist and cheek; Henry Ackerman, severely; liemuel B. Laugklin, slightly; Thomas Ryerson, in hip; S. M. Zeluff, slightly; Thomas Thompson, in shoulder; Sam uel N. Trenary, slightly; Samuel Green; Austin V. Mitchell; Lieutenant John C. Linsley; Ezekiel Brown; Benjamin Jones, A. W. Buckner. COMPANY G. Killed — Sergeant Myron Newton, Hugh A. Dum- mett, Benjamin S. Fullerton, Osman Larson, Anthony Oberst, John Palmer. Mortally wounded — Jacob Nelson, John Thomas. Wounded — W'esley Misner, in thigh, severely; Sam uel B. Porter, arm broken ; Tunis S. Serrine, in arm; John Bailey, in thigh, severely; James C. Deegan; E. S. Billiard, slight; Sergeant C. B. Cook, slight. COMPANY H. Mortally wounded — Henry Willavise, J. M. Porter, A. A. Myers. Wounded — Levi Nelson, slightly; Xavier Wolf, in hip, seriously. COMPANY I. Mortally wounded — Harvey W. Traver, Nicholas Ellenbocker. Wounded — Corporal Elbridge Chapman, in side; Bartholo W. Andrews; Frank W. Burns, in throat, seri ously; Jacob Bane, in hand; N. H. Mull in, in leg; Andrew Ponts, in thigh; Mark Purviance, in leg, seri ously; Artemas C. Quinn, in breast; Johnson Traver, in hand; Cornelius Snyder; James J. Traver, in face, severely; Bruce Winans, slightly; William E. Frink, slightly. COMPANY K. Mortally wounded — Joseph P. Arnold, died Decem ber 8th; Charles N. Brown. REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. Wounded— Henry Pust, leg amputated; Robert Bell, severely; Andrew A. Hart, seriously; Chas. F. Peterson, severely; Thomas Mulkay, severely; Adolph Splitstosser, slightly. The rest of the Brigade lost in .killed and wounded, as per the Official Reports, 105, Vide Reb. Rec., Vol. XX. But the foregoing does not include a number of missing, who were probably killed, buried, and never reported, except as unknown. A day or two after the battle the citizens of Ottawa sent a committee of three, Rev. Z. Coleman, Dr. C. Hard and J. W. Calkins, to Hartsville with sanitary supplies for the wounded, and while there they buried a number that they found dead in the woods, rein- terred all of the dead who were half buried, and, when the soldiers could be identified, marked their graves. They marked some as unknown, as appears from the "list" in the possession of the writer. Through the influence of Surgeon Dyer and this committee many of the wounded of the One Hundred and Fourth were sent to Ottawa as fast as their con dition permitted removal. The committee performed an immense labor, being in Hartsville part of the time under a flag of truce, the rebels having possession. That their services were appreciated the following published letter shows : Gallatin, Tenn., Dec. 22d, 1862. To the Friends of the One Hundred and Fourth : In behalf of the officers and soldiers of the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois Volunteers, now at Gal latin and Hartsville, Tenn., we, the undersigned, return our sincere and most heartfelt thanks to the good peo ple of Ottawa for their sympathy as expressed by the substantial aid sent to our noble suffering wounded by the hands of Dr. Hard, Rev. Z. Coleman and J. W. Calkins. We also feel under lasting obligations to the above named gentlemen for the manner in which they have executed the trust confided to their hands in min istering personally to the wants of the living and assist ing faithfully with Christian sympathy in burying our 70 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH dead out of our sight. Signed by R. F. Dyer, S. M. Hes- let, R, C. Stevens, D. C. Eynearson, M. Osman, William E. Brush, J. Misner, Jos. P. Fitzsimmons, William H. Collins, Jas. Snedeker, John S. H. Doty. INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE. While it has been universally admitted that the One Hundred and Fourth did all that men could do at Hartsville to win victory or stem the tide of defeat, some personal acts and words cannot well be omitted. Said Colonel Limberg, a witness: "The One Hun dred and Fourth fought like bulls." Lieutenant Green remarked: "A braver man than Colonel Moore never went into action and the One Hundred and Fourth covered itself with glory." Lemuel B. Laughlin, of Company F, six feet or more in height, when the Regiment was ordered to lie down, while loading, did so but once; taking his stand, he deliberately loaded, and, bringing his musket to a ready, picked his man and fired — no doubt some one dropped, he escaped with a wound. General Thomas says in regard to the One Hun dred and Fourth at Hartsville. The letter was pub lished in "Patriotism in Illinois:" Louisville, Ky., Jan. 10, 1867. Colonel A. B. Moore, Ottawa, 111.: Colonel: — I received your letter of the 3d inst, and after careful examination of the official reports of other officers who participated in the battle of Hartsville, Tenn., I am enabled to state that all concur in testifying to your personal bravery, as well as to the gallantry of your own regiment — the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois. Colonel John Harlan, Tenth Kentucky, who ar rived with his own and the Tenth Indiana regiments very soon after the enemy had recrossed the Cumber land River, mentions in his report that a large major ity of the killed and wounded of your command be longed to the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois, which REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 71 is conclusive evidence of the steadiness and bravery of your own regiment and of yourself personally. I am, Colonel, very respectfully your obedient servant, GE(i H. THOMAS, Major General U. S.A. WHO FIRED THE FIRST SHOT AT HARTSVILLE? Joseph W. Conard of Company E, says in regard to this event: On the morning of Dec. 7, 1862, Lieutenant Milton Strawn was in charge of the reserve picket post, located three posts from the Cumberland river, my brother William was on guard at the reserve post. I was on guard at the next post east — upon a rise of ground. At break of day, I saw the rebels on the brow of quite an elevation about opposite our last picket post, but I hardly thought they were the enemy, knowing that there were three pickets between the reserve and the river and supposed that if they were the enemy, those pickets would give the alarm, but they did not, and after hesitating a few moments, I discharged my gun and rallied on the reserve. We afterward learned that the rebels captured^ the first (last) and second posts without their firing a shot. NOTE ABOUT HARTSVILLE. By Lieutenant A. V. Mitchell, Company F. On Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1862, I, being then Or derly Sergeant of Company F, had arisen early as we were to have general inspection at 10 o'clock and there was much police duty to be done around the camp. I had just dismissed the men from roll-call when I dis covered the rebels coming down the stony point of the big hill and at once called Major Widmer's attention to it, when the alarm was given and the regiment thrown into line of battle and we marched out where the fight ing was done. We were taken in out of the wet and John Morgan performed the inspection duties that morning. Surgeon Dyer relates that while attending to the 72 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH wounded on the field, he came to a German soldier and his son, members of the One Hundred and Sixth Ohio. Both were wounded and said that seeing the One Hun dred and Fourth fighting alone, they thought they would come over and help. All honor to them. Kobert S. Brent, of Company D, says : I saw one of the shells from our battery explode in a rebel ammuni tion wagon and the rebels thereupon ran like sheep. At that time we were ordered to fix bayonets and charge, but the order was countermanded, which was perhaps a mistake. When the rebels were forming to attack us Henry E. Price said to me, I being in the front ranks : "Bob, let me change places with you, I want the first chance at them." I remember distinctly one rebel stepping out from behind a tree and firing directly at us — so it seemed. I felt the wind of the bullet on" my left cheek and Price on his right. We both fired at him, but the smoke prevented our seeing the effect. Henry said to me: " That was pretty close, Bob." The rebels were then some twelve rods from us. I was wounded soon after, and R. J. Gage carried me on his back ten rods, when I thought I could walk, and he put me down, .and going back to the line was wounded himself a few moments after. I walked a short distance, when I fainted and fell in the snow from loss of blood. On coming to I noticed a perfect storm of bullets flying over my head and striking the weeds around me. The Regi ment falling back, I was picked up by John J. Ford, of Company D, and carried by him and put in a Com pany K tent, when he covered me with a blanket. A member of Company K died that night by my side, having had his leg broken and amputated. I can never forget Patrick O'Donnell, of Company A, who was wounded in the mouth with a pistol ball at close range. When we were removed from Hartsville on the follow ing Wednesday he was the only one of us that could walk, and when we had gone part way to Gal- latin we stopped for the night in some negro huts on a plantation. The old rebel owner told his negroes not to give us any wood for fires. But REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 73 Pat had a revolver and went out and stood guard over the negroes and made them chop wood for us. He also ordered the colored woman to make some chicken broth, and we had an opinion that it was the best chicken broth we had ever tasted. Pat afterward had the rheu matism very bad and went home for a time. After ward he lost an arm in battle. His one fault could not take one wreath from his brow. A braver man than John McCullough, of Company E, was seldom seen. We had retreated to the river and the rebels were among us, one of them raised his gun to shoot a soldier, and, though almost surrounded, John covered him, at the same instant telling him with an oath to stop. He did. To fire would have been death to both. The writer saw this occur. The brave McCul lough fell at Peach Tree Creek. Henry E. Price of Company D, badly wounded in the thigh, said, "It would be all right if I could only be sure that I had hit some of them." Captain Doty, immediately after surrendering, man aged in the confusion to slip away, and, going among the wounded, many of whom had crawled back to camp, began taking care of them. He succeeded in deceiving the rebels until Harlan arrived, and also saved the com pany books and papers. There was no extra charge for reserved seats in the front row during the battle. One man, and, it is be lieved, the only one in the regiment, who was about to take one further back where he could see just as well, was convinced by Lieutenant Colonel Hapeman of the superior advantages of the parquet in this show. A noticeable feature on many faces was the powder stains on the mouth, caused by biting off the cartridges, instead of, when not in a hurry, tearing off the ends with the fingers. The Brigade being prisoners and disarmed, were hurried under guard of the victorious enemy to the ford over the Cumberland. The water being breast deep, the cavalry took two or three men on each horse and carried them safely over. Occasionally a horse slipped giving 74 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH all a good wetting. This occupied two hours, and mean time Morgan's cavalry having gathered up the arms, artillery, ammunition and supplies, on the field and in camp, and loaded our wagons, these were hurried toward Hart's Ferry, as Morgan had reports of the ap proach of Harlan's Brigade. But to delay its advance, he threw out two regiments of cavalry and four pieces of artillery, the latter brought from his reserve on the south side of the river. Vide Morgan's Reports, Reb. Rec. Vol. XX. The object was accomplished and nearly everything removed safely over the Cumberland. The weary march toward the rebel lines was then begun, but before we had lost sight of Hartsville the thunder of cannon across the river announced to us the arrival of Harlan and Miller, but, alas! too late! Be yond recapturing a few wagons at the ford and firing a few shots across at the rebel reserve or rear guard, they could do nothing for us. However, they saved much property, which Morgan's men had overlooked or could not remove, and also relieved and saved from capture a number of our men and some officers w^ho had hidden away. The wounded and sick in the hospital were not molested by Morgan. That evening Harlan and Miller's brigades returned to Castillian Springs, leaving, of course, the wounded and sick at Hartsville. Vide Harlan's Reports, Reb. Rec. Vol. XX. All day and until 10 o'clock at night the remnants of the Thirty-ninth Brigade were marched briskly along. No one had eaten a bite since the night before. The rebel soldiers had little in their haversacks — and that little, corn pone. Many of them kindly shared it with our men. Having gone twenty-five miles we were put in bivouac for the night in a cedar brake. Even here wood was hard to get for fires, as we had no axes to cut it. The weather being very cold and several inches of snow on the ground, there was much suffering. No food was given us. We realized what it meant to be prisoners of war. With several rebel regiments on guard about the camp the lo*ig night finally ended. The march was resumed on Monday, the 8th, without REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 75 food, and after marching fifteen miles we reached Mor gan's headquarters, six miles from Murfreesboro, in the afternoon, nearly famished. The bivouac was again made in a grove, wood and water were brought, and at dark a half ration of flour and fresh beef was issued, but no salt for our meat. However, having been sixty hours with scarcely a mouthful to eat, anything that would satisfy the gnawings of hunger was welcome, and, after the most primitive preparation eaten. The night was passed a little more comfortably than the previous one. The whole of the night was spent in speculation and gloomy forebodings as to whether we would be paroled or sent to some rebel prison. During the day another ration of flour and beef was issued. In consideration of their good fortune our enemies treated us very kindly, but allowed no unusual liberties, having an idea, no doubt, "Yankee" must be a very slippery fellow and liable to play some Yankee trick upon them. The hearts of the men of the One Hundred and Fourth were gladdened on the morning of the 10th by the news that the Kegiment was to be paroled. A little later we left for Murfreesboro, and when two miles from town all were ordered to leave their overcoats in a pile by the road. Morgan pretended that this was done by order of General Bragg, but no one believed it. On arrival we were put in the court house yard, then taken inside by companies, and paroled, each man signing an agreement and taking an oath not to bear arms against the Confederate States until regularly exchanged. This exercise occupied most of the afternoon, during which time the One Hundred and Fourth were the observed of all observers. General Morgan's name was on all lips, and he was the hero of the hour among the rebels, who had no scruples about magnifying the importance of the victory, the number of killed, of prisoners, etc. While here the writer secured a copy of the "Rebel Banner," and this stated Morgan's loss to be 200. Colonel Hapeman and Major Widmer were not paroled, but sent to Atlanta and afterward to Rich mond, where they were put in Libby Prison until April 76 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH 23, 1863, when they were exchanged. Colonel Moore was also detained in the Confederacy until March. The paroling was finished by night, and we were marched out one mile and put in a field, when another half ration was given us, making in all one and a half rations of flour and beef received, and on which we had lived four days. But notwithstanding our hard usage all were in better spirits at the prospects of a speedy release from captivity and made the best of a cold night by the scanty fires. Early on the llth we started under rebel escort for the Union lines and Nashville, thirty miles distant. Near Lavergne, fifteen miles from Murfreesboro, the outposts of the two great armies confronted each other, and the Federal commander, not having been notified of our approach, mistook us for an advance of the rebels, and a skirmish followed. This caused a delay of several hours before the matter could be arranged under a flag of truce. Our guards employed the interval in stripping our men of any remaining overcoats, of their blankets and anything else in sight or that struck their fancy. But the previous experience had put a number on their guard who otherwise would have suffered. These acts after our capture were, indeed, beautiful examples of the chivalry and civilization of the South. There are ameni ties even in war, which all Christian people, except those of the South, have recognized. Long after dark the One Hundred and Fourth stepped within the Union lines, free men, "Except these bonds," but again under the old flag! Continuing the march all night, we did not reach Nashville until daylight, and here met with another delay of two hours before being finally quartered in the Zollicoffer building. (Now the Maxwell House.) This was unfinished, with fireplaces in every room. The piles of fine dry lumber made excellent fires, and after getting rations — having gone without food for thirty-six hours, the Regiment began to feel comfortable, and settled down to await whatever disposition might be made of it. , CHAPTER VIII. Go to Parole Camp at Columbus— Taking French Furloughs— De serters— Remove to Camp Douglas— Guarding Rebel Prisoners —Treatment of Rebel Prisoners— Off for Nashville— Guarding the Capitol— Go to Brentwood— Return to Nashville— At Mur- freesboro — In Beatty's Brigade — Prepare to Advance — Order for Movement Issued. It having been decided by General Rosecrans to send the Regiment to the parole camp at Columbus, Ohio, whilst awaiting an exchange of prisoners, we left Nashville on the 13th, under the command of Captaiu John Wadleigh, of Company I. In passing through Gal- latin greetings were exchanged with a number of the One Hundred and Fourth who were at the depot. We arrived at Louisville on the morning of the 14th, and, embarking on the steamer General Buell in the evening, reached Cincinnati the next morning.' It had rained all night, but this had turned to snow and made things very dismal. The men of the One Hundred and Sixth and One Hundred and Eighth, who had come along, were re joiced to reach home once more, where there was plenty of sauer-kraut and beer, and proceeded at once to their old haunts. In the evening the One Hundred and Fourth boarded the cars for Columbus, arriving there at daylight on the 16th. After standing around some time, we marched out to Camp Lew Wallace, three miles from the city. As we had no overcoats, and it was in tensely cold — and the snow was four or five inches deep, all suffered. It was soon learned that all the tents and barracks were full, however the boys managed to find quarters here and there, but no doubt thought the much warmer climate we had left was preferable, even with a little iron hail and brimstone thrown in. The only relief afforded was the certainty of having plenty to eat, 78 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH though we had to borrow the dishes to cook in. This condition of things lasted three days, when the com mand was transferred to Camp Chase, on the other side of the city. Here we had comfortable barracks and settled down to await events. But, however, with nothing to do and no particular reason for remaining here, most of the men took French leave and went home. Ultimately they all arrived in safety, but those who had no money did a good deal of walking. At this time some went who never returned to the Regiment, but became deserters. The writer has no doubt but that their friends (?) persuaded them to desert. He recalls two of these who were absent many months, one going to Europe, but, conscience-stricken, they returned, and were ever after faithful soldiers. •One of them was killed in battle and the other died of disease at Savannah on the "March to the Sea." While at Columbus the Regiment lost, by death, Felix McCullough, of Company E, a brave soldier, badly wounded at Hartsville, who would not go to the hospi tal, but staid with the Company; also Langdon B.. Mor- rill, of the same Company, another faithful fighter. The welcome news was received on Jan. 12 that the Regiment had been exchanged and ordered to Nashville, but there were so few at Camp Chase that Captain Wadleigh opened correspondence with a view to having the destination changed to Camp Douglas, 111., where the men could be more easily collected. On the 15th, get ting a positive order to report at Nashville, we left that evening about one hundred strong. Arriving in Cin cinnati, Captain Wadleigh saw General Wright, com manding this department, and secured a change in the order by which the Regiment w^as sent to Camp Douglas, where it arrived the next day, i. e., those who did not get left or fall off the cars near the Rock Island Junction. The writer, who had stayed by the boys in every emer gency wras one of those who fell off and was absent a few days. Those who remained in Camp Douglas were put on duty guarding the Rebel prisoners — 10,000 in number — REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 79 who had been captured at Arkansas Post, Stone's River and other points. General Jacob Ammen was then in command of Camp Douglas. The Sixty-fifth Illinois, Colonel Cam eron, and the Ninth Vermont were also on duty there at this time. The members of the One Hundred and Fourth began to return, until by the end of February we mustered over 700 men. Having no field officers, Captain Wad- leigh continued in command. The winter had been severe and was particularly unpleasant to our prisoners. About fifteen or twenty per day took the oath of allegiance and were sent home, but some not daring to go remained north. About February 15 those of the One Hundred and Fourth at Gallatin, Tenn., with the wounded who had recovered, returned to us and met with a warm wel come. The Regiment began to look like its former self but did not feel exactly right without its field officers who were still in Libby Prison. The proximity of Camp Douglas to the city, though outside of it, made our situation more pleasant, and all had an opportunity to get acquainted with some of the mysteries of Chicago and its attractions. Attending the theater was a much sought amusement; getting a square meal at some favorite restaurant wras seldom omitted. But no one could leave Camp Douglas without a pass and the details were so made that a number could obtain these each day, if desired. Tke writer came on duty once a week as officer of the guard, he therefore had much time to himself. The winter months passed rapidly away and by March 25 the Regiment mustered 770 men. At this time Colonel Moore having been exchanged, returned, was serenaded, and made a characteristic speech. Lieuten ant-Colonel Hapeman and Major Widmer came back later. Much having been written and said about the treat- 80 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH ment of the Rebel prisoners in Camp Douglas in the winter of 1862-3, the writer desires to say here, that men were never better treated than these. They were pro vided with as warm and comfortable quarters as our selves, fed the same rations — including soft bread, more than any man could or did eat; had the best medical attendance when sick; were given clothing and blankets by a generous government against which they had rebelled; were allowed the freedom of the camp, and could trade at the post sutler's if they had money; but they had no "Mggers" to cut their wood, w^hich was furnished in generous quantities. Such was the treat ment given them. During March, a cartel of exchange having been arranged, large numbers of them were sent off daily. It was noticeable that they were in prime condition and ready to enter at once into the service of their master, Jefferson Davis, and this they did, much to the gratification of the rebel generals, who sorely needed them. The following officers resigned after the battle of Hartsville and previous to our leaving Camp Douglas: Captain Palmer, Company K, Feb. 28, 1863 ; Lieutenant James Snedaker, CompanyD, Dec. 31, 1862; Lieutenant Charles E. Weber, Company I, Feb. 9, 1863; Lieutenant Samuel J. Haney, Company G, March 8, 1863; Lieuten ant Robert V. Simpson, Company G, April 4, 1863 ; Cap tain Samuel M. Heslet, Company C, March 11, 1863. As the April days approached guarding prisoners became monotonous and the Regiment began to wish for more active service. The desired change came soon. Orders were received on the 10th to be ready to leave on April 12 for the front. General Rosecrans had been notified that he could have either the Ninth Vermont or the One Hundred and Fourth. He telegraphed for the latter, thus showing that he had not forgotten the fighting qualities exhibited at Hartsville. On Sunday, April 12, the One Hundred and Fourth bade a glad farewell to Camp Douglas and marching to the cars left at noon for Louisville. On arrival at REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 81, LaFayette, Ind., at eight in the evening, we found a big supper prepared by the patriotic and generous citizens, awaiting us. A committee had been sent to meet the Eegiment a few miles out. There was an abundance of everything that hungry men could desire, and when — after an hour spent in feasting, the cars bore us away, all voted the people of LaFayette to be the most gener ous and hospitable in the world. The officers of the Regi ment gathered in one of the cars and resolved them selves into a committee of the whole, for the purpose of considering the extraordinary courtesy shown and pass ing such resolutions as seemed proper. Lieutenant Osman acted as secretary. Speeches were made and numerous resolutions complimenting everybody, from the railroad officials and the committee and people of LaFayette, to the waiters who served the feast, were in troduced and discussed. The meeting did not break up until long after midnight, and all of the pent-up patriot ism in the assembly had found expression, and the ef fects of the excellent champagne had worked off. The Regiment arrived in Jeffersonville at dark on the 13th, and as on a former occasion bivouacked on. some vacant lots near the depot. The next day, the 14th, news was received of the death of Lieutenant William Brush, of Company D, who had been left in Chicago, very sick. Crossing over the Ohio, we took the cars in the evening for Nashville. The cars ran slow all night and we did not reach Bowling Green until half past nine on the 15th. Some soldiers of various regiments — except the One Hun dred and Fourth — convicted and sentenced for misde meanors, whom we had brought along, were left here to work on the fortifications. When about to proceed on our journey a report was received that the guerrillas were disturbing the track, and trains ahead, in consequence of which Company A was detailed to guard the mail car. But nothing positive was encountered until we ar rived within eight miles of Gallatin, where the telegraph poles had been cut down. Company A disembarking: ! 82 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH was deployed and marched some distance, but failed to develop any rebels. The weary ride ended at ten in the evening when Nashville was reached. Then soldiering began in ear nest. Leaving the cars the Regiment marched over the Cumberland and bivouacked at the east end of the bridge, in the suburb of Edgefield. The night was warm, and we lay down — as on many previous oc casions, and wrapped in our blankets enjoyed such sleep as kings might envy. The next day, the 17th, was warm and lovely, and having no tents some were constructed from blankets, which served to protect us from the heat of the sun. The Regiment was assigned to the Fourth Division, Fourteenth Corps, Colonel Smith of the Sixteenth Illi nois, commanding a part of the Division. We now had to furnish details for picket duty around Edgefield, and take up the regular duties of a soldier's life. Our bivouac was named Camp Moore. The One Hundred and Fourth remained at Camp Moore until the 20th and while here received the new "shelter tents" recently introduced into the service. We were disposed at first to regard them with distrust, ,and they were called "Dog" and "Pup" tents by the boys, but their advantages soon became known. Each was composed of two pieces of canvas four by six feet in size, and calculated to shelter two men. On the march each soldier carried one piece. They were water-proof, light and easily pitched, the pieces buttoning together over the ridge pole. The great benefit was in the fact of the soldier always having his house with him on his back. Both officers and privates were destined to bid a long farewell to the old "Sibley." The Regiment left Camp Moore on the 20th and marching through Nashville, camped on the south side near Fort Negley — one of the chain of earthworks erected to guard the approach from the south. The camp was made on a steep hillside from whence we had a grand view of Nashville and the country round it. Just below lay the "Granny White Turnpike" an im- REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. portant thoroughfare and one used by both armies in military movements. The great drawback to this camp was the difficulty experienced at night in trying to keep in bed, there was a perpetual tendency while asleep to either roll or slide out, and one very sound sleeper get ting adrift one night actually went to the bottom of the hill, and in the morning was much puzzled on waking up to find himself parted from his "Pup" tent. The One Hundred and Fourth was engaged here until May 4 in drilling, picket and guard duty, and in escorting railroad supply trains to Murfreesboro where General Kosecrans lay with the main army. The weather continued to be of the loveliest. In intervals of duty Nashville was much visited. The Capitol — a very fine building of stone and marble was guarded in turn by companies or details from the Regiment. From the dome of the Capitol there was visible a grand pano rama of scenery seldom equaled. The long lines of forts and earthworks, bristling with cannon and garrisoned by Union soldiers, stood in bold contrast with the beau ties of nature1 shown by hill and valley, and fertile fields, through which the waters of the Cumberland wound their way to the Ohio ; all made for peace, com merce, prosperity and happiness, but now blasted by the desolation of war. Sometimes standing or wandering around the broad porticos of the Capitol, and drinking in all of the beauty and richness of this goodly land, it seemed impossible to realize that we were here as invaders and conquerors, surrounded by treason on every hand, with vast rebel armies but a few miles distant. Few will forget the Ackland place, which we had to furnish details to guard. This was about one mile from our camp, and the large and princely residence situated in the midst of a ten acre plat of ground was surrounded by elegant gardens and greenhouses, and an abundance of statuary. The owner was sup posed to be a Union man, but this might not mean much. On the 4th of May the Regiment was ordered to Brentwood ten miles south of Nashville. On arrival we 84 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH went into camp in a beautiful grove of large trees, and near the Little Harpeth river. We found here a brigade of infantry and a regiment of cavalry, Colonel Dan. McCook, commanding. The Regiment was attached to this brigade temporarily. This Post was an important one and liable to attack at any time, therefore heavy picket lines were main tained and ceaseless vigilance prevailed. Brigade and battalion drill occupied several hours each day. The small fort already built when we arrived was further strengthened. On the 14th John M. Mellon, of Com pany B, was wounded by guerrillas while on picket. Major Widmer arrived on the 18th and was wel comed by a speech, serenade, etc. While at Brentwood rumors of the capture of Richmond and Vicksburg were received and were so well credited that the soldiers got up an impromptu celebration in the evening by parad ing around with lighted candles placed in the muzzles of their guns. It was ascertained later that the "blow out" was slightly premature. The result was a large number of elongated faces the next day. Lieutenant-Colonel Hapeman arrived on the 21st and was accorded a warm reception in the usual American style. We received news on the 19th of the occupation of Jackson, Miss., and the success of Grierson's raid. The companies had been practicing target shooting for some days. M. Kirkpatrick, of Company D, making the best shot of any one in that command. At 1 a. m. of the 28th, the long roll called us to arms and we moved into the fort, expecting an attack, but the enemy did not materialize. The brigade remained under arms until noon. An order came on the 3d of June for the Regiment to report at Nashville. After helping to destroy the Avorks, we left in the afternoon, and reached our former camp at twelve that night, where we remained inactive until June 7th. In pursuance of an order received on the 6th to join the Army of the Cumberland at Murfreesboro, the- REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 85 Regiment reported there on the 7th and was assigned to the First Brigade, Second Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, commanded respectively by Generals John Beatty, James S. Negley and George H. Thomas. The One Hundred and Fourth had at last found its proper position among veteran troops, being brigaded with the Fifteenth Kentucky, Forty-second and Eighty- eighth Indiana regiments, that bore upon their ban ners the brilliant legend "Stone's River," while our brigade commander had won his star on that bloody field. The military preciseness and air of business that pervaded everything and everybody in this great armed camp of 60,000 men produced at once an impression of awe and respect never to be forgotten. The effects of strict military discipline were visible in the clean and regularly laid out camps, as well as in the soldierly bearing of the men. It was evident that the days of wild and independent "Jayhawking" over the coun try, to which we had been accustomed, were ended. Therefore with becoming resignation the One Hun dred and Fourth settled down to get acquainted with the new surroundings and more exacting duties. From this date until the 24th of June the Regiment. Iiad its time fully occupied. Brigade drill began at four o'clock a. in. and lasted until six; breakfast at Iialf past six; rest until nine; then company or battal ion drill until eleven; when we rested until two p. m.; after this we had brigade or division drill until six. Thus there was little time for idleness, a condition that the increasing heat would have made agreeable, had not the iron hand of military authority prevented. A few days after our arrival, Lieutenant Osman and the writer fell into a piece of clover that removed them to a position on the staff of General Beatty as Aides de Camp and precluded the necessity of doing any more walking for some time. The latter having been almost born on horseback found himself again in his natural element, but it is conjectured that Lieu- 86 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH tenant Osman felt more at home on terra firma than on the back of a prancing war horse. The writer, thrown into intimate association with the General and his staff, experienced at first the dis advantages arising from his youth and natural diffi dence, but with acquaintance this feeling wore off. As for "Mose" he had been a soldier in the Mexican war and was undaunted by anything except the problem of how to ride properly. The effect, however, was always striking. For many months General Rosecrans had been pre paring for a great forward movement, by reorganizing and recruiting his army — particularly the cavalry; accumulating immense supplies of rations in Murfrees- boro; and building an impregnable line of forts and earthworks around the town. In accomplishing the Herculean task he had met with numerous obstacles wrhich neither the Government or people could under stand or appreciate. Like his great Lieutenant, Gen eral Thomas, he had been accused of being too slow and cautious. But about June 1st all the indications pointed toward more active operations, the outlying regiments, brigades and divisions, were advanced nearer the front. The Reserve Corps, composed of the First, Second and Third Divisions, was organized and put under the command of General Gordon Granger. General Rosecrans could now move on the enemy with an effective force of 65,000 men well armed and disciplined. General Bragg with an army of about 59,000 men (Vide his reports, Reb. Rec., Vol. 33) occupied strongly entrenched positions in our front extending to Tulla- homa, sixty miles distant. Besides the fortifications his lines were well protected by nature, the country being rough and hilly with few roads, and these ran through the gaps in the hills sometimes for several miles, making their defense easy if attacked in front. But General Rosecrans had thoroughly studied the situation with the mind of a strategist, and at last, on REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 87 the 23d of June, everything being in readiness, issued a general order for the Army of the Cumberland to move on the enemy early on the 24th. However, to cover his real designs, General Gor don Granger's Corps and the cavalry began the execu tion of a movement, intended as a feint, upon the enemy's left on the 23d. The order for the advance was hailed with joy by the soldiers of the Army of the Cumberland, who had unbounded confidence in their General and affection ately called him "Old Rosey." All applied themselves to the busy task of prepar ing for a campaign the extent, duration and results of which the wisest could not foretell, but w^hich had for its object the defeat and destruction of Bragg's army and the possession of Chattanooga — the very gateway to the inmost South. CHAPTER IX. The Tullahoma Campaign— Advance to Hoover's Gap— Wilder's Charge— McCook at Liberty Gap— Occupation of Manchester — Beatty's Brigade Sent to Hillsboro— Attacked by Cavalry- Rejoins Negley— Bragg Retreats— Tullahoma Occupied— Beat ty's Advance to Elk River— Seven Miles of Fighting— Stock ade Captured by a .Detachment of the One Hundred and Fourth— The Rebels Fall Back— Rejoicing over Gettysburg and Vicksburg — In Camp. In all the history of the war there are no more interesting and instructive lessons to the military stu dent than those afforded by the Tullahoma and Chick- amauga campaigns, inaugurated by General Rosecrans against General Bragg with the primary objects in view of not only regaining possession of the vast terri tory extending to the Tennessee river, which had been acquired and abandoned by Buell the preceding year, but also passing beyond that great water barrier, and scaling the mountain systems that hem it in — gain the coveted prize of Chattanooga — which, indeed, seemed secure enough from capture, situated in the midst of great natural defenses and protected by a veteran army fighting on its own soil. Napoleon in crossing the Alps only had to contend with the condi tions imposed by nature at an unfavorable season. General Rosecrans not only had to overcome natural obstacles as great, but also to conquer or drive back an opposing army nearly as large as his own, and one which he never contemplated would surrender so great and vital parts of the Confederacy with the moral con sequences involved, without a decisive battle. There fore, having this always in view he conceived and began the grand strategic movements calculated to accom plish the objects mentioned. From the inception of the campaign the history of REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. the parts borne by the One Hundred and Fourth became so blended with those of not only its Brigade and Division, but of the mighty human machine of which it also formed a part, as to render an account of all in a concise and general way, necessary— in order to have an intelligent appreciation of its own actions in connection therewith. At daylight on the morning of the 24th of June, the Army of the Cumberland, embracing, besides the Keserve Corps, those of McCook, Thomas and Critten- den, or the ^Twentieth, Fourteenth and Twenty-first Corps, were set in motion and marched away on three different roads toward the south in- quest of Bragg's army. The weather was anything but propitious, the rain falling in torrents and continuously all day, making the roads very muddy and adding to the discomfort of the men, who were, however, somewhat protected from the inclemency of the storm by the small rubber ponchos which the Government had issued to every soldier, and which served to protect their arms as well as persons, being used at night also, as the substratum -of very humble beds in the mud. The spectacle of over 60,000 men, infantry, artillery and cavalry, drawn up in martial array and filing off in long lines over the level plains of Murfreesboro, fol lowed by immense wagon trains — which, if arranged in a single line would have extended forty miles, could never be forgotten by those who composed this grand army. As anticipated by General Kosecrans, the feint movements made by his troops on the enemy's left and center by our right succeeded, and the main part of the army was thrown rapidly against their right in the direction of Manchester and Tullahoma, thus flank ing the heavy fortifications at Shelby ville, Avhere the enemy expected to be attacked, and forcing Bragg to fight on ground of General Rosecrans' own selection or run. General McCook, after starting on the Shelby vi lie 90 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH turnpike and demonstrating heavily in that direction,, deflected his divisions to the left toward Liberty Gap, which he found strongly defended, but pushing rapidly he enveloped the enemy's flank and before night, after considerable skirmishing and fighting, drove him pell- mell through the Gap, a distance of two miles. Contemporaneously, General Thomas, with the Fourteenth Army Corps, advanced on the Manchester Turnpike, and Crittenden's Corps toward Bradyville in support. Wiider's Brigade of mounted infantry, with the rest of Reynolds' Division, led the advance of the Four teenth, Rosseau's and Negley's Divisions following. Wilder encountered the rebel pickets seven miles out and rushed over them. He then, with his usual impetuosity, attacked the reserves at Hoover's G^ap and drove the entire force through the deep defile — three miles in length, to the southern entrance, where the three rebel brigades of Bates, Wharton and Lid- dell lay in a strong position. On the way Wilder cap tured nine wagons and some prisoners. As the enemy proposed to fight, Wilder disposed his gallant three Illinois and two Indiana regiments with his howitzers and ten pounder rifled Rodman guns on the hills and awaited the onset. The enemy, after firing, and cov ered by artillery, charged in a spirited manner several times, but could not resist Wilder's repeating rifles. They turned and fled, leaving their dead and wounded on the field. It was well that they did, as Re3rnolds now came up with two brigades. The victory was important, gained with a loss to us of sixty-one killed and wounded, while that of the enemy was five hun dred. General Rosecrans on surveying the ground,, remarked, "WTilder has saved us thousands of men." Darkness coming on, the operations of the day closed, and the entire army bivouacked for the night in the midst of rain and mud. Our Division went into camp at Big Creek — Rosseau's in advance. The morning of the 25th dawned upon us rainy and dark with fleecy clouds of mist hanging over the moun- REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 9L tains. The army was again set in motion and, as on the 24th, steadily drove the enemy at all points. Neg- ley moved at ten in support of Rosseau and Reynolds at Hoover's Gap, the latter meeting with considerable opposition and losing a number in killed and wounded. Beatty's Brigade, as it drew nearer about one o'clock, witnessed a part of the fight, but was not ordered into it, and later went into camp near the Gap, where there* was a store. Some of the boys made a raid on this and on some bee hives in the vicinity. After a time General Beatty sent the writer to disperse the raiders, but the bees contributed more effectually to that end. In the afternoon the enemy attempted to retake a portion of Liberty Gap, occupied by Johnson's Divi sion of McCook's Corps and made a desperate fight, but was repulsed in every attack, with a loss of one hun dred killed, and seven hundred and fifty wounded, while that of Johnson was two hundred and thirty-one killed and wounded. Thomas and Crittenden continued to advance on the 26th in the midst of a continuous rain over roads almost impassable, and in the face of considerable opposition to the former, but at night Thomas arrived within five miles of Manchester and occupied a strong position which would compel Bragg to give up Tullahoma and his entire line of defenses, or fight, in which latter case the whole army could be massed on his left and crush it. Negley's Division moved in support of Rosseau and Reynolds, hearing cannonading all day ahead, and at night bivouacked at Beech Grove in high spirits over the uninterrupted successes. McCook's and Granger's Corps remained inactive on the 26th, awaiting the result of General Thomas' operations. Early on the 27th Wilder's advance dashed into Manchester, surprising and capturing some rebel guards. The rest of the Fourteenth Corps, Reynolds in advance, soon followed, but the last of it did not arrive until midnight on account of the condition of the roads. The larger part of the transportation was left --92 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH miles behind. Beatty's Brigade, leaving at five a. m., guarded the Division wagon train through to Man chester and camped. We were then only twelve miles from Tullahoma. McCook's Corps, having nothing to oppose it, marched for Manchester. Granger's Corps encountered Wheeler at Guy's Gap, drove him into Shelbyville and, * .after hard fighting, across Duck Kiver, with a loss to Wheeler of his artillery, two hundred killed and wounded, and five hundred taken prisoners. The day's operations along the whole line had been successful, and at night the enemy was in hasty retreat from his extended and elaborate system of fortifica tions, evidently only anxious to get beyond the reach of his adversary. The full measure of the success of General Rose- crans' strategy became generally known on the 28th, Sunday, and raised the enthusiasm of the Army of the Cumberland to the highest point, whilst their admiration for their leader was unbounded. But mindful that only a small part of the work to be accomplished had been completed, General Rose- crans ordered General Thomas to push the enemy to the utmost, while he waited for McCook and Critten- den, who were still struggling desperately in the rear midst mud and rain, to reach Manchester. Therefore General Wilder was sent at daylight on the 28th, with his mounted infantry to break the rail road south of Decherd and Elk river, save the bridges and delay the enemy. To support Wilder's movement, Thomas ordered General John Beatty to move with our Brigade to Hills- boro, eight miles from Manchester, on the enemy's extreme right. Our prospect for a Sunday rest was thus suddenly ended and at ten the Brigade fell into line and marched off through the woods over execrable roads. Colonel T. P. Nicholas was also ordered to report with his First Battalion of the Second Kentucky Cavalry to General Beatty at Hillsboro. The Brigade arrived at its destination late in the afternoon and REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 93- wen£ into camp in the outskirts of the tumble down village at a point covering the old Chattanooga road. The position was an exposed one far from support, and a strong picket line was established, while the com mand was cautioned to be in constant readiness for possible attack. Meantime the rain continued to make things disagreeable. No fires were allowed after dark. The men erected what shelters they could and lay down to rest. About twelve in the night firing was heard on the picket line held by the Cavalry. General Beatty arousing the writer, who was sound asleep, sent him to ascertain the cause. The Brigade was awakened and stood in line of battle until daylight. It was found that Colonel Nicholas had been attacked, but the enemy did not follow it up. However, there was no more sleep ing done that night, General Beatty and staff standing with the rest — horses in waiting, ready to mount, or occasionally visiting the outposts. We remained here until noon of the 29th, when General Beatty was ordered to join the Division in the direction of Tullahoma, at Bobo's Cross-roads, eleven miles from us by the shortest road, which was also exposed to attack from the enemy's cavalry, who were in close proximity to us and in sight. Starting imme diately by a cross-road that led through a barren, low country covered with a thin timber growth, we had gone four miles w^hen a dash was made by the enemy on our cavalry at the head of the column. The attack was repulsed with a loss to Colonel Nicholas of Lieu tenant Jenkins killed, one wounded and one captured. We had been marching in column down a narrow lane, but General Beatty at once deployed the Brigade in line, w^ith the artillery (Hewitt's Battery) in the center, and thus formed, we advanced through the fields and woods, but no further attack was made. About five p. m. we were suddenly alarmed by two cannon shots and musketry firing in front. The Brigade then took position near a log barn and fence, ready for battle. The scouts coming in reported the enemy advancing in force with artillery. Soon after the cavalry reported 34 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH the supposed enemy to be our own troops of Reynolds' Division. The scattering shots had injured no one, and we moved on to Bobo's, where we found the rest of Negley's Division and went into camp. The Division remained in camp on the 30th, and the One Hundred and Fourth, being- on short rations, made up the scant allowance by gathering ripened wheat from a field and boiling it, and also feasted on stray hogs found in the woods. The writer was ordered to report to General Negley early, which he did, and was sent by him with some orderlies from Headquar ters back to Manchester for forage to feed the artil lery horses, also supplies. We started and the roads being impassable picked our way through the woods. On arrival and reporting to Brigade Commissary Wells, he loaded up a pack train of mules with which we started back, and on the way running across a dozen liead of cattle drove them into camp, where we arrived at dark. All of the supply trains were at Manchester or north of there, unable to move. The movements of the army on the 30th were con fined mainly to closing up on Tullahonia. Stray citi zens coming in reported Bragg as evacuating, there fore General Steedman's Brigade with one of Sheri dan's and Reynolds' advanced to within two miles of the town, but met with a spirited opposition from rebel infantry and artillery, losing fifteen men. Fearing a ruse and it being about dark, Steedman halted for the night. Early on July 1st he again advanced and entered Tullahoma at noon. A few prisoners were taken, but the main army had gone. In conformity with this movement the other Divisions moved forward, Neg- ley's leading, supported by Rosseau's. Beatty's Brigade being in front had gone about four miles when our battalion of cavalry was suddenly attacked, but the enemy fell back a mile or so, when he opened upon us with a masked battery of artillery, our battery replied and for half an hour kept up a lively fusillade. There were three casualties in the One REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 95 Hundred and Fourth, among them, Corporal George Wine of Conipay K, who was killed by a solid shot. Meantime the infantry were slowly feeling their way through the woods and underbrush. The weather being very hot many were sunstruck. The enemy again limbered\ip their battery and retired half a mile to Spring Creek Pass, where another artillery duel fol lowed. Thus our Brigade drove them from place to place for seven miles and until dark, to a point near Heffner's Mill. The other brigades of Negley's Divi sion had followed within close supporting distance all day. Strong pickets were thrown out to the front and right, while Rosseau picketed the left and rear. The day's work had been hard but most satisfac tory. The intense heat had prostrated many and Sur geon Dyer with his assistants were busy all day. The position occupied by the One Hundred and Fourth in the advance was on the left of the Battery and the road, with Company K thrown out as skirmish ers under Captain Fitzsimmons. Under orders from General Beatty the writer frequently visited this part of the line, and Colonel Moore being deaf, at the request of the Lieutenant-Colonel and Major, repeated the orders to them, so that no mistakes might occur. On the morning of the 2nd it was discovered that a large rebel force had bivouacked only half a mile from us. The march was resumed all along the line — our brigade in advance. After going about one mile we came suddenly to the Elk river valley, half or three- quarters of a mile wide, and beheld the enemy on the opposite bluff with a battery in position. The brigade was halted in the shelter of the woods and another battery additional to our own, ordered up by General Beatty. We then began to play upon them with ten guns, much to their surprise, and their infantry and cavalry at once sought a safer place. The rebel bat tery replied, but the fire from ours was so effective as to disable one or two of their guns, when the battery limbered to the rear. Most of the rebel shells flew high over the heads of our men, crashing among the 9C THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH trees and breaking limbs, but beyond two or three men. wounded by pieces of shells no damage was done. Near the bridge across the Elk (and which had been fired) there was a small log stockade occupied by rebel sharp shooters, who annoyed our advance skirmishers. The ground down to the river was a clear level plain, but along the bank, which was low, fringed with trees. General Beatty, calling upon the One Hundred and Fourth to furnish a detail of ten men to capture the stockade, Colonel Moore selected Sergeant George Marsh to lead the party. The Sergeant called for vol unteers, who promptly responded. The men wha stepped forward for w^hat was considered a forlorn hope were, besides Marsh, John Shapland, John IL Powers, Kichard J. Gage, Oscar Slagle, Win. A. Fight, Robert Harr, Lena. F. Holland, Murray Kirkpatrick and K. S. Smalley. The little band deploying as skirmish ers, and covered by the fire of our batteries, double- quicked across the plain, the rebel sharpshooters firing at them, and gained the river without a casuality, then rallying on the left, they rushed for the stockade. The dozen rebels inside, seized with a panic at the bold action, left in confusion, and swimming the Elk, took to the woods, from which they sent back a few shots. The party was soon after ordered back and received the personal thanks of the General. Captain Howe,, with Company B, was then sent down with a detail to put out the fire at the bridge. It was then about four, and there being no signs of the enemy, and with the line of the Elk in complete possession of our army, we went into bivouac in the valley near the position held all day. The night was a joyous one in our camps, for it was certain that General Bragg was in full retreat over the lofty Cumberlands. These lay in sight and only a few miles distant. At a late hour the writer remembers being invited to a private supper in the quarters of the One Hundred and Fourth, where fine boiled mutton and pig, not issued by the Quartermaster, were on the bill of fare. The locality was a bad one for stray game^ REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. of any kind, which somehow or other got into trouble and the mess pots of the hungry soldiers. Near the camp and road there stood, the house of a Presbyterian minister, who, as someone had ascertained, was a great rebel. At all events he had deserted his home on our approach, and in the intervals of duty the place was explored by our men, who found among other things a large library of books — mostly theological works. Deeming it a proper time to develop in the line of reli gious inquiry, some of the books were carried away, but probably found too old and dry to keep. The action at Elk river closing with the capture of the stockade by a detail of the One Hundred and Fourth, practically •ended the fighting for some time, as will appear fur ther on. On the morning of the 3d, the different divisions of the Fourteenth Corps began crossing Elk river by the fords at several points. The bridge in front of us, which had been almost destroyed, was repaired by a portion of General St. Clair Morton's Pioneer Corps, so that by noon Negley's Division, with Beatty's Brigade still in advance, crossed, the artillery fording below. It began raining in the morning and continued all day, no Presbyterian rain either, but a genuine Baptist down-pour. But under orders Beatty pushed forward as fast as possible on the road toward the mountains leading to University Place, where stood the "Univer sity of the South." Having with the utmost difficulty gone three miles, we went into camp in the mud. On the wray several dead cavalrymen and horses \vere found in the woods. The rations of the men were not flavored, as last night, by fresh pig and mutton stews. The army remained in bivouac during the forenoon of the 4th of July. At noon General Beatty received orders to push forward to University Place, and we started soon after, followed by the rest of Negley's Division. The other divisions of the Fourteenth Corps were to move in co-operation with ours. Having gone four miles we reached the foot of the mountains and began the ascent. It was three miles to the top, but 98 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH before we had gone half a mile the road was found to be obstructed by trees which the rebels had felled. General Beatty at once set the orderlies to work to remove the obstructions and sent the writer back to bring up a company of men to assist. Meantime the whole Division halted, and Generals Thomas and Neg- ley rode forward to inspect the road. The result being communicated to General Rosecrans, he ordered a counter movement back to the base of the mountains, and directed the Fourteenth Corps to go into camp. General Beatty, who had gone on ahead with the cav alry detachment and had reached the summit, now returned, and the Brigade having countermarched, bivouacked in a swamp near the base of the Pass. What the next movement would be was a subject of speculation around the evening camp fires. The One Hundred and Fourth did not forget that this was the natal day of the Nation, and in how different a manner it had been spent from usual. But it was real ized that unless the objects it was fighting for could be achieved thef e would be no more use for the National Holiday. About ten o'clock on Sunday, the 5th, the whole army was electrified by the joyous news from General Rosecrans'' headquarters that Grant had taken Vicksburg and Lee's army had been defeated at Gettys burg. The writer bore the glad tidings to the One Hundred and Fourth and other regiments. The beam ing faces everywhere and the cheers from tens of thou sands of men echoed and re-echoed along the valley of the Elk and among the mountain gorges, as if to tell our retreating foes that at last treason and rebel lion had met with such signal defeats as to presage their final overthrow. The camp of the One Hundred and Fourth was scarcely above water and became very muddy from being tramped over by so many men, but amid the enthusiasm produced by the announcement of the great victories, all discomforts, dangers, hard marches and short rations, were entirely forgotten. The men began to clean up and get rid of the effects of ten days' campaigning in rain and mud. It was REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 99 also noticed that the Field and Staff came out in clean collars and indulged in the luxury of cigars from the Sutler's. The first part of General Kosecrans' plans had been successfully executed with the comparatively small loss of eighty-five killed, four hundred and eighty-two wounded, and thirteen captured; while the losses of General Bragg in killed and wounded were not cer tainly known; he lost as prisoners fifty-nine officers and fifteen hundred and seventy-five men, together with eleven pieces of artillery. His loss by desertion amounted to several thousands. The woods and moun tains were full of deserters and they came in daily. Negley's Division lost three killed and five wounded, of these three belonged to the One Hundred and Fourth. The present campaign had terminated at an oppor tune time as co-related to military movements and suc cesses elsewhere, but the expectation was that General Kosecrans would at once continue the advance and fol low Bragg beyond the Tennessee Biver. Such, indeed, had been his purpose, and the movements of Negley and Beatty on July 4th, were the initiative steps in that direction, but one more day's consideration led him to a different conclusion, and the Army of the Cumberland went into camp for rest and recuperation while the further preparations which General Kose crans deemed necessary were being made for the next forward movement. Extract from the report of General Thomas at the conclusion of the Tullahoma campaign : "Without par ticularizing or referring to individual merit in any one division of my command, I can render willing testi mony to the manly endurance and soldierly conduct of both officers and men composing my Corps, march ing day and night, through a most relentless rain, and over almost impassable roads, bivouacking by the road side, ever ready and willing to 'fall in' and pursue the enemy wherever ordered, with a cheerfulness and determination truly admirable, and no less commend able when confronting the enemy; fearless and un- 100 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH daunted, their columns never wavered, giving the high est proof of their veteran qualities, and showing what ^dependence can be placed upon them in time of peril." Vide Rebellion Records, Vol. XXIII., p. 433. CHAPTER X. The Chickamauga Campaign and Battle of Chickamauga. The Fourteenth Army Corps remained substan tially in the position occupied on July 5th, until the 7th. The Cavalry and several divisions of the other Corps were distributed at various points ready to push forward with the advent of more favorable weather, the incessant rain preventing any important move ment. On the latter date Negley's Division moved five miles to Dec-herd, a station on the railroad, by which when repairs should be completed, supplies could be forwarded. The One Hundred and Fourth w^ent into camp half a mile from the village on high rolling ground and as usual began at once to fix up quarters and go to housekeeping. The rest of the Brigade and Division camped near by with Brigade headquarters in a fine grove of oaks. Further dispatches received fully confirmed our first news of the great victories in the East and South, and General Rosecrans ordered a salute of thirty-five guns to be fired from every bat tery in the army. As it resulted, we were destined to spend a much longer time at Decherd than any one had anticipated, the great forward movement for the reduction of Chattanooga not beginning in force until August 16th. However, some preliminary steps were taken previous to that date by the occupation of Ste venson and Bridgeport, Alabama, both on the rail road. The cavalry was pushed out and kept active in the meantime on the flanks. It need not be inferred that the army because in camp was idle, or that Gen eral Rosecrans had settled down to rest on laurels already won. Such was not the case and there were good reasons for the delay, although General Halleck from his office in Washington urged an immediate 102 ' THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH advance. Among other things it was considered neces sary that the railroad upon which the army depended for supplies should be repaired and opened to Bridge port; that the corn in the fields, now in silk, should be ripe enough for forage; the cavalry arm of the serv ice recruited; and co-ordinate movements elsewhere be arranged in support of ours. Thus while General Rosecraus was working day and night to forward all those measures not dependent on nature, he did not desire to move until he had the resources in hand neces sary to insure success in a campaign that presented more difficulties and was more hazardous than any preceding ones undertaken by any army, East or West, not excepting even those against Richmond, which had failed because the generals who conducted them were incompetent. While waiting for further developments at Decherd the One Hundred and Fourth was engaged in the usual routine of camp life, such as guard and picket duty and drilling. The weather became settled by the 10th, which rendered life in the shelter tents much more pleasant, and in order to add further to their comfort and pleasure, the men built numerous arbors over the quarters. The grounds were thoroughly policed every day and strict sanitary rules enforced. The sick were w^ell taken care of here or sent to the regular hospitals at Nashville. We were still on short rations, but as though Providence had provided espe cially for us, blackberries were now ripe and the entire army feasted upon this healthful and luscious fruit, which grew in inexhaustible quantities everywhere around us. Details of men went out every day to gather them. No soldier could ever forget this fea ture of our life at Decherd. The railroad was repaired to Elk River on the 13th, and the supply trains rolled into Decherd soon after, much to the joy of all, as it assured full rations and regular mails from the north. Also, the Brigade baker, who had a contract — thanks to the Government — arrived on the 14th, and setting .up his oven, supplied us with soft bread. A more REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 103 Agreeable surprise occurred on the 21st, when a United States Paymaster put in an appearance. He became -at once a Very popular man, especially after disburs ing four months' pay to the men. The One Hundred and Fourth sent home several thousand dollars besides paying off sundry Sutler's bills. While here some changes took place in the Regi ment, caused by the resignations of Captains Misner, Wadleigh and Howe, and Lieutenant Tewksbury. Their loss was regretted. Captain McKernan had resigned in June; Captain Palmer, Lieutenant Simpson, Lieu tenant Haney, Captain Heslet, and Lieutenant Web ber, before the Regiment left Chicago, making in all ten resignations from the line officers since enlistment. These were followed by promotions. In addition, Assistant Surgeon Julius A. Freeman resigned July 13th, and Hospital Steward, John W. Cuppy, w^as dis charged August 1st, and succeeded by Luther F. Slyder, of Company K. The ranks had become con siderably reduced, the aggregate loss from all causes being nearly two hundred and seventy men within the .year after muster-in. The effective strength of the Regiment had become further reduced also by sick ness, and numbers of men were lying in different hos pitals from Louisville south, together with many who had not recovered from wounds received at Hartsville. The most unpleasant experience of the One Hun dred and Fourth at Decherd, and yet one which did not cause any undue excitement, was the Court Mar tial of Colonel Moore on charges preferred by Captain Wm. H. Collins, of Company D. It is believed sufficient to say that the evidence was not considered strong enough to convict, therefore Colonel Moore was acquit ted and continued to command the Regiment until his resignation in September. Captain Leighton, who had been sick in Nashville during the Tullahonia campaign, with some others, rejoined the command about the 20th. The news of the capture of John Morgan and the defeat of his famous raiders gave eminent satis faction to us all. He had found campaigning north 104 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH of the Ohio a far different matter from raiding on his native heath, where nearly all of the population could be relied on as friendly to him. An unpleasant sight occurred on the 21st, when a soldier of the Forty-sec ond Indiana, who ran away at Stone's River, had his head shaved and was drummed out of camp to the music of the "Rogue's March." He seemed much crest fallen as he marched along in the presence of the Bri gade, and was sent under guard to Nashville to be confined in a military prison during the war. When the month of August arrived there was a. general expectation of orders to march, and the army was impatient to go. It was known that General Bragg's army was mainly in Chattanooga. The prob lem presented to General Rosecrans of how to best attack Bragg was a weighty one, well calculated to make him cautious, but while still maturing his plans of campaign, General Halleck, on the 5th, ordered him to move. He managed, however, except some minor movements, to delay the general advance a little longer. Doubtless he was the proper judge, and, indeed, when we consider the difficulties presented, his reasons appear to have been good ones. The position of Bragg's army was far different from that occupied at Tullahoma, which it had been flanked out of with comparative ease. Bragg deemed himself safe from direct attack in front. Besides the broad Tennessee, he was protected there by two ranges of high mountains, the Cumberland and Walden's Ridge, which shut in the river and abutting on it prevented moving along the north bank from Bridgeport. His flanks were equally well protected not only by the Tennessee, but on the left by the Sand and Lookout Mountain ranges, which an invading army in this direction must cross. These seemed insuperable ob stacles to Bragg. His right flank presented the same defenses and was more difficult to reach; quite inac cessible to our line of communication with the rear, and destitute of water and forage. By any of the routes named, a distance of from 100 to REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 105 miles must be traversed by Rosecraris' army,, and almost continuously over mountains. Not only so, but rations to feed the army must be taken along,, while the artillery and ammunition trains Avere, of course, indispensable. General Rosecrans' plan of campaign as developed and prosecuted to a conclu sion that secured its primary object, in the grandeur and boldness of its conception and execution, was one of the greatest feats of strategy, if not the greatest, performed during the whole course of the wrar. Bold ness, celerity and secrecy were the chief factors of suc cess, and the very audacity of the scheme and of each successive step in it, constantly bewildered and de ceived General Bragg until it was too late for him to retrieve his errors. General Rosecrans proposed in brief to execute a grand flank movement by our right across the Cumberlands and the Tennessee River, thence over Sand and Lookout Mountains to Bragg's left and rear. This, if successful, would make Chat tanooga untenable or oblige Bragg to fight there, in which latter case his destruction would be certain beyond all doubt; for although not gifted with much penetration, General Bragg knew that if the Army of the Cumberland once obtained a foothold on his left and rear, with the Tennessee below Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain and A^alley in its possession, his case would be hopeless. But General Bragg's fore sight prove to be hindsight and therefore he did not provide against such a contingency, while he was deluded by Rosecrans into the belief that he intended to attack his front and right flank. Having thus outlined briefly the situation and sa lient points of the campaign, we will follow again the Army of the Cumberland on its weary marches over rivers and mountains, in the blazing heat of a southern sun, and amid the chilling fever breeding dews of night, half fed and half slept, until having accomplished the great flank movement and captured Chattanooga; flushed with success and perhaps over confident, this invincible army wras suddenly checked in its victori- 106 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH ous career on the field of Chickamauga! The prelim inary signs that indicated an advance extended all along from the 5th to the 16th. Some brigades moved; extra rations were issued; the sick sent to the rear; arms and ammunition were inspected. At half past four on the morning of the 16th, the camp fires of the One Hundred and Fourth and those of the entire army were lighted and the men busy in cooking the last meal previous to departure. The prompt response to roll-call and other duties showed how eager all were to be off. There was a rigid inspection of arms and cartridge boxes. The knapsacks were packed and per mission given to load them on the wagons, as the weather was very hot. When all was ready and the Regiment, Brigade and Division, in line, a long delay occurred. At half -past eleven we moved off in the direction of Cowan, a station at the base of the moun tains. Soon after a rainstorm accompanied by a furi ous wind broke upon us, the thunder and lightning were terrific and all of the- red artillery of heaven seemed to have been concentrated in one single local ity directly over our heads. This continued one hour, after which the sun came out and shone very hot. Again the "Attention" and "Forward" sounded, and moving on we reached Cowan at three, when a halt was made for an hour. The advance was then resumed with the One Hundred and Fourth leading, and soon after we began to ascend the Cumberlands. Looking up far above us appealed the summit with clouds float ing around. By the road it was two miles there, but when we arrived it seemed ten. The storm had dam aged the road and made it extremely rough, so that the horses and mules were unable to move the artil lery and wagons. The One Hundred and Fourth had to assist, but it was twelve o'clock when the top was attained, and we went into bivouac for the rest of the night. The fog clouds were dense all around on the morn ing of the 17th, when the march was resumed, this time down hill for some distance. As the sun rose REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 107 higher and the clouds cleared away the splendid scen ery of mountain and valley was revealed in all its beauty. Having descended to a little valley a halt was made for breakfast. This did not occupy much time and we moved on — the Third Brigade in advance. Winding up and around the summit of another mountain by a road easier than the last, at three in the afternoon we reached Tantallon in the valley, and went into camp to await the arrival of the wagon train, which had broken down and was far behind. The train not arriving during the night the One Hundred and Fourth was sent at three on the morning of the 18th to look it up and pro cure rations. The march back almost to the top of the range was a hard one, but was completed soon after day light. The Regiment having secured three days' rations and also taking the knapsacks in order to reduce the loads of the wagons, countermarched and arrived in camp at ten, pretty well worn out. After a hasty and luxurious breakfast of hardtack and bacon, the Regi ment fell in and taking the advance, resumed the march. The day was intensely hot, the road dusty and many suf fered greatly, causing frequent halts for rest. We moved along the Crow Creek valley and were pleased to see plenty of corn fields, apple and peach orchards. Hay Ing marched some four miles we came to a plantation where stood a very good house, and near by was a large spring of pure mountain water, an article we wanted constantly, one, too, far superior to any "Mountain dew" known, though the latter was never thrown away when it could be had. After an hour's rest we moved on and winding around the spur of a mountain could see down the valley for miles. There were vast corn fields, which Jiad been planted by Jeff Davis' orders for the future use of rebel armies, he never anticipating, that the hated '"Yankees" were to harvest those fields, yet such was to be the fact, and the Scripture fulfilled, "One shall sow ;and another reap." Passing by a large, fine mansion on the road, a darky was asked about his master. He re plied, "Gone wid de rebels," Toward night we arrived rat Anderson, having marched eighteen miles under a 108 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH broili ng sun. About one-third of the Brigade had fallen out utterly exhausted. Colonel Moore, who had com manded the Brigade since we started, though under orders to go six miles further, if practicable, decided to camp here for the night. After a rest, ample supplies were drawn from the adjoining fields for men, horses and mules, much to their satisfaction, if not that of "Jeff Davis and Company." On the morning of the 19th, reveille sounded at half past three, and orders were issued to march at half past four. When the "Attention" sounded the ranks of the One Hundred and Fourth were noticeably thin, as, in deed, were those of the other regiments. Leaving all who were unable to walk to go on by ambulance, the Brigade moving on down the valley reached Cave Spring three miles from Stevenson, Alabama, at ten in the forenoon. Fording Crow Creek the Regiment w^ent into camp near the spring, and also near a corn field, which was well harvested in a few hours by the soldiers. We had now passed one range of the Cumberland and could see before us a few miles distant the outlines of the Tennessee River, a stream that had become historic. Beyond the river rose in majestic grandeur the Sand Mountain range, standing like a Avail between us and the enemy, and which we must cross. Around the camp and on each side of Crow Creek perpendicular masses of rock one thousand feet high shut in the valley and made the location very beautiful. It was announced that a halt of a few days would be made here in order to prepare for the next movement, also to await the result of other combinations and maneuvers then being exe cuted elsewhere as a part of General Rosecrans' daring- plans. Meanwhile the One Hundred and Fourth rested quietly in camp aAvaiting the order to march. It was rumored that several of the officers intended to resign soon. Two of our wagons broken down on the moun tains, were rescued by William H. Conard and a detail of men sent back for the purpose. Sergeant William C. Ream, of Company H, received his commission as First Lieutenant in a colored regiment. He had passed a REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 109 creditable examination before the board of which Gen eral Beatty was President. The weather continuing very hot much sickness — typhoid in character, pre vailed, thus reducing the effective force of the Regiment ready to go into line of battle to about 330 men. BetWeen the 25th and 29th all of the signs indicated that our righjt and center would soon advance. The pontoons had been laid across the river at four different places with very little opposition. This was due to the bold strategic movements and maneuvers of the left in front of Chattanooga, which had begun simultaneously with those of the Fourteenth and McCook's corps. At that time General Rosecrans had directed Critteuden to march with Palmer's and Wood's Divisions, General Wilder's Brigade of Reynolds' Division, Fourteenth Corps, with Colonel Minty's Brigade of Cavalry, over the mountains into the Sequatchie Valley. This move ment was promptly executed, and Hazen's and Wag ner's Brigades of Infantry were at once thrown over Walden's Ridge in front of Chattanooga, where Wilder and Minty joined them. The entire force of eight thous and men was then judiciously deployed from Williams Island — a few miles below the city, to Kingston above, but much pains was taken to make a large display in front and up the river. The hills and woods effectually concealed our troops and enabled the commanders to nuwe them from point to point and thus give the im pression that a large army was there. To add further to the enemy's delusion, Wilder shelled the city most vigorously from Walden's Ridge and the heights oppo site. The effect of all this on the rebels was as desired ; the greatest alarm prevailed among the citizens and had a retroflex influence on Bragg and his army. But not divining the true meaning of this show Bragg con cluded that Rosecrans' whole army was on his front and right, and hastened to call to him Buckner's Corps from Tennessee, paying no attention to his left. Meantime, while Wilder was amusing and deceiving Bragg, the main army had proceeded as heretofore indicated and •concentrated on the Tennessee readv to cross. The Re- 110 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH serve Corps under General Gordon Granger, had moved in the rear to hold our line of communications and kept sufficiently close to be of service when needed. General Rosecrans, whose headquarters were at the front, learned early of the successful execution of his orders on the left by Crittenden's Corps, and directing Critten- den to move his main force down the Sequatchie Valley and across the river at Bridgeport and above, he gave the order for the right and center to advance. The movement was commenced by General Davis' Division on the 29th, which crossed at Caperton's Ferry, opposite Stevenson, and with the Cavalry moved on over Sand Mountain. The One Hundred and Fourth moved from Cave Spring on Sunday, the 30th, into Stevenson and went into camp. At three in the afternoon of September 1st, Negley's Division, with Beatty's Brigade in advance, took up the line of inarch for Caperton's Ferry, and crossing on the pontoon bridge at five, continued on up the east bank of the river until midnight, when it went into bivouac by the roadside. At eight on the morning of the 2nd, we moved on to Moore's Spring, arriving at one, just as Sheridan's Division came up. General Neg- ley learning that water was very scarce ahead, ordered the Division to remain here" for the night. Johnson's and Davis' Divisions and the cavalry had reached Look out Valley, where the larger part of the army was di rected to concentrate as fast as the river and mountains could be crossed. We marched early on the 3rd, and began the ascent of the Sand Mountain range. But it was seen at once that this was to be no easy task. The road had been un used and was rough and steep. The delays and repairs were constant. The One Hundred and Fourth was in advance and contributed materially to the work of help ing the transportation up. The advance reached the summit at noon and remained there until the 4th, await ing the passage of the trains. There was no water to be had and the suffering of both men and animals was severe. The view from the top of Sand Mountain well REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. Ill repaid all the toil in getting there. The borders of five States could be seen, three immediately near. Far be yond mortal vision extended one vast panorama of mountains, forests and rivers. The broad Tennessee below us seemed like a ribbon of silver; beyond rose the Cumber] a nds, which we had crossed. The valley on both sides was alive with the moving armies of the Union,, while almost the entire transportation of the army filled the roads and fields along the Tennessee. No one could survey the grand scene on that bright autumn day un moved, unimpressed with its grandeur, and of the mean ing conveyed by the presence of that mighty host. Some time after dark the last of Negley's Division and trains reached the summit without loss except to the Division Sutler, whose wagon tumbled over at a narrow place scattering his goods along the mountain side. Sutlers as a general thing were not regarded with especial favor by the army, and yet seemed to be a kind of necessary nuisance. This one appealed to the boys to help him carry up his broken goods. Many of them readily re sponded and no doubt paid themselves well for the ad ditional labor involved,- at least quite a number were seen afterward smoking very good cigars and regal ing themselves on canned lobster, oysters, etc. During the day SirwelPs Brigade had been sent on to build a bridge across a canon; this was completed at eleven p. m., and was one hundred and eleven feet long and twenty feet high. Other Abridges were repaired and the roads made passable. The whole of the 4th w^as occupied in crossing and descending the mountain. At night but little of the transportation was down and but two regiments of our Brigade. The day's march had been hard on men and animals. When night came all were glad to rest where they halted. The 5th was spent in bringing up the transportation and moving the Division a few miles to Brown's Spring in the valley. SirwelPs Brigade went on a short recoii- noissance toward Lookout and brought back some flour captured at a mill. 112 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH On the 6th the entire Division moved up Johnson's Crook (valley) leaving camp at ten. The Lookout range appeared on our left. Beatty's Brigade in advance, reached McKay's Spring at five. The balance of the Di vision camped on Lookout Creek in the rear. We now lay near the foot of Steven's Gap (pass) of Lookout Mountain. After arrival that evening the Forty-second Indiana was sent on a reconuoissance up the Gap, and had only gone a short distance when it was fired upon by the enemy, who seemed to be concealed behind trees. One man was severely wounded. The object being ac complished, that is, to develop the enemy, the Regiment withdrew. The writer accompanied this recounoissance. The evening of the 6th closed with almost the entire army concentrated in Lookout valley, extending from a point at the north end only seven miles from Chatta nooga, to Valley Head on the south, thirty-five miles distant. The enemy still held Lookout Mountain, which towered two thousand feet above us and was in accessible except by two or three passes. These as events proved had been left practically undefended, thus showing how little Bragg looked for Roeecrans in that direction. To gaze upon those rugged heights one would suppose that a few thousand, or even a few hundreds, of men could have easily beaten back an army. No one on the evening of the 6th anticipated but what the possession of the passes would be disputed to the last extremity. Such w"as the situation, and all looked forward to the morrow as full of promise for some very lively fighting. To capture Chattanooga from our left by passing around the point of Lookout was thought impracticable, as it abutted so closely on the river as barely to leave room for the railroad, and, in deed, for a part of the way the roadbed had been made by blasting away the solid lime stone rock — there form ing palisades one hundred feet high. The point 2,100 feet above and the intervening space below were held by the enemy. General Rosecrans determined to leave Crittenden to threaten Chattanooga on the left, and marching with the center and right over Lookout by the REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 113 passes in their front, seize Chattanooga Valley directly in Bragg's rear. This movement, if successful, would force matters to a decisive issue. Accordingly orders were issued for the Tth, having these objects in view. Early that morning Beatty's Brigade began the ad vance in line of battle up the mountain by Steven's Pass. It was some three miles to the top, and advanc ing by the front was a different and more difficult task than moving in column along the road. We had ex pected opposition, but beyond a few stray shots none was made. At eleven we stood on the summit with our artillery, which the men helped to get up, without the loss of a man. It was learned from some cracker resi dents on the mountain that only cavalry had been on guard at the pass, and they took good care to leave in time. The other brigades following closely arrived on top at twelve and three o'clock. The transportation oc cupied that day and the next in getting up, the Brigade marching half way across Lookout, bivouacked for the night. After the arduous labors of the last three weeks the command was well tired, but in high spirits over the success thus far achieved, regarding Chattanooga as within our grasp and the defeat of Bragg certain should he choose to fight. While we had thus gained a foot hold so easily on the key to Bragg's position, Harker's Brigade had spent the day in demonstrating on the left around the point of Lookout and discovered the enemy in strong force. The Twentieth Army Corps did not move on the Tth. Pursuant to General Rosecrans' orders an advance was made along the whole line on the 8th. Beatty's Bri gade leaving at four a. m. marched to Cooper's Gap. The rest of the division moved to Steven's Gap. (Also called Frick's Gap.) General Rosecrans having information from various sources, such as deserters, citizens, and scouts, that Bragg was evacuating Chattanooga, di rected the movements of the day accordingly. General Davis, of McCook's Corps, on the right, crossed Lookout with two brigades in support of the cavalry then ope rating toward LaFayette on Bragg's probable line of 114 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH retreat. General Xegley arriving near Steven's Gap spent the day in removing the rocks and trees that ob structed the road, and at night bivouacked in the vicin ity. The First Brigade (Beatty's) reached Cooper's Gap about eight a. in. and rested a short time. From this point we had a grand view of the Chattanooga valley, which lay two thousand feet below us. We were in Georgia, and looking north could almost see Chatta nooga about twenty-two miles distant. On the opposite side of the valley the mountains of Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina rose before our eyes in vast succes sions of range upon range, peak upon peak, their sides terraced with the verdure of autumn. Two or three miles east we discovered meandering through the valley Chickamauga Creek, that name having been given it by the Indians, and meaning in our language, "The river of death." Such, indeed, it proved to be a few days later. Just beyond, Pigeon Mountain was in sight. While we stood in admiration — gazing upon the new and surpassing beauties of nature on every hand, another sight of vital import arrested attention. Clouds of dust were noticed in the valley a few miles in our front. On examining these closely with field glasses, we saw long lines of soldiers and trains of wagons mov ing southward. It was Bragg's army in retreat. Cour iers were at once dispatched to Negiey with the infor mation. The Brigade was then set in motion down the mountain. There were some obstructions, but these were soon removed. On arriving at the base, Company II had a skirmish with rebel cavalry and, having the advantage, being above and well protected, soon drove it off, the rebels leaving one man severely wounded ; two also, were captured, together with some sabres and other arms. The Regiment and Brigade followed closely ready to support the skirmishers. But the rebels had discovered our strength and had no doubt been posted there to observe and report our approach. As Beatty's Brigade was the first and only force yet in the valley and the enemy lay within three miles distance. General Beatty prudently halted and, throwing out a REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 115 strong picket line, went into bivouac. For twenty-four hours following we were isolated from support, should an attack be made. But though numbering only some twelve hundred men and a section of a battery, our ad vantage of position would have enabled us to repel any attack by far superior numbers. Vide Reb. Rec., Vol. XXX., pp. 326-367. General Rosecrans was notified at half past three on the morning of the 9th that Chattanooga had been evacuated. General Wagner, whose troops lay on the north bank opposite, became convinced on the 8th that the rebel army was leaving. General Wilder, who, with his mounted infantry, had patroled the river for thirty miles above, during the campaign, and was then seven miles from the town, was also satisfied of the fact. Therefore, on the morning of the 9th, Wagner crossed his troops over and took possession, the colors of the Ninety-seventh Ohio being the first planted on the rebel defenses. At a later hour the rest of Crittenden's Corps marched around Lookout Point and into the city and val ley. And thus fell without a battle — the rebel strong hold, the key to Georgia and the inner South; the object of the National thoughts, efforts and solicitude for one long year. This had been the goal for which Buell had feebly reached, and which General Rosecrans by the ex ercise of superior generalship, had obtained in the face of difficulties and discouragements, before which a feebler genius would have recoiled in dismay. The effect produced on the army by the fall of Chat tanooga was electrical. The retreat of Bragg was con sidered such evidence of weakness that the pursuit and defeat or capture of his army, now occupied the thoughts of all. The authorities in Washington who had been trembling with anxiety for the safety of the Army of the Cumberland, and watching for the de nouement of what was considered a bold and perilous undertaking and one, too, which they had not properly supported, elated beyond measure, urged a further ad vance. If General Rosecrans had been averse to this he would have had no discretion. At all events, the move- 116 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH ments of the 9th were ordered to-be pushed with vigor against the enemy from right to left, a distance of forty to forty-five miles. The First Brigade passed the night of the 8th with out any alarm, and on the 9th marched south three miles to the foot of Steven's Gap, where at four p. m. Negley's Division having come down, the whole force moved by a rough narrow road through a lane, one mile to Bailey's Cross Koads. This was found to be a mere hamlet of a few log houses, situated in the midst of dense woods and surrounded by rocky knolls. On a large oak tree was noticed a sign board with the legend, "To Chattanooga 23 miles." Thirty years later, the writer revisited this, and other places in the vicinity, and saw what were evidently the same log houses and sign board, there seemed to have been no change. Gen eral Negley, halting the main command for the night, sent forward Stanley's Brigade at five p. in. on a re- connoissance eastward in the direction of Dug Gap. Stanley marched nearly there, a distance of three miles, but constantly met and skirmished with rebel cavalry, of which two were captured in a charge by Negley's mounted escort. Stanley then withdrew. During the day, Crittenden's Corps on the left, except Wagner's Brigade, had marched rapidly up the valley toward Kinggold, in Bragg's rear. McCook on the right had ad vanced in the direction of Alpine to intercept Bragg. None of the three corps were within supporting dis tance of each other, McCook''s being twenty miles from the Fourteenth and separated also by high mountains. If McCook had attempted to join by the front he would have met Bragg's whole army and have been crushed, he could only effect 'a junction with Thomas by re- crossing the mountains twice, and this is what he did a few days later. Crittenden was as far away as McCook, but had the advantage of being in the valley with better roads to traverse. The Fourteenth Corps — the center, was the key in the arch, and the reliance of all. Such was the situation on the evening of the 9th. General Rosecrans evidently believed that Bragg would con- REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 117 tinue to retreat and based his orders for the 10th on that assumption. Had he known what was transpiring around the camp fire of General Bragg, he would have issued orders of a different kind. Another day was re quired to reveal the intentions of the rebel commander. On Thursday, the 10th, in pursuance of orders, Neg- ley's Division resumed the inarch toward LaFayette via Davis Cross Koads, two miles or more southeast from Bailey's. No other troops of the Fourteenth Corps had as yet come into the valley — here called McLe- More's Cove. SirwelPs Brigade (the Third) led the ad vance, and from the first did more or less skirmishing with the rebel cavalry. The road was through dense woods, over several hiils, and was rocky and rough part of the way. Beatty's Brigade guarded the train of four hundred wagons, through to Davis'. On arriving at the latter point the train was parked. From Davis' to Chickamauga Creek (below called river) the road led through a narrow lane with stone walls on either side, the distance to the creek being about sixty rods, and thence across the stream to Dug Gap; the entrance to this gorge in Pigeon Mountain was not over a quarter of a mile from the creek. Parallel with the latter, which at this point ran northward, a solid stone wall guarded the John Davis plantation of five hundred acres. During the advance so much opposition had been shown that Negley became cautious on approach ing Dug Gap, and disposed his command in the best po sitions to be found. He learned from a Union citizen at one-thirty p. m. that his suspicions were correct, and that Buckner's Corps with cavalry and artillery was ad vancing from Catlett's Gap of Pigeon Mountain, three miles below, with the intention of coming in on our left and rear. Dispositions were made at once to defeat this attempt. It w^as now late in the afternoon, and to im press the enemy a strong demonstration was made against Dug Gap, driving back the rebel skirmishers and disclosing heavy forces behind. One object was to establish the picket line well up to that of the rebels in the Gap, and this was done. The troops were then 118 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH bivouacked under arms on the rocky ridges around Davis' house to the right, front and left. Subsequently at a late hour, the picket line was quietly drawn back to a new position. The One Hundred and Fourth lay near Davis' house. During the night Negley received additional news from Union men and his scouts, to the effect that one-half of the whole rebel army lay within two miles of our camp, concealed by Pigeon Mountain, and intending to attack and destroy Negley's Division in the morning. They stated that immediately in front was Hill's Corps of three divisions — twelve brigades; to the left Buckner's Corps of two divisions, and For rest's cavalry — two divisions ; while Polk and Brecken- ridge's Corps were writhin supporting distance. Such was the situation in front of Negley on the night of the 10th, and it may be conjectured that the General and his staff did not sleep very soundly, if at all. On the morning of the llth, about eight, all were much relieved by the arrival of General Baird with the First and Second Brigades of the First Division (Stark weather's and Scribner's). These troops were put in po sition at once. About this time General Thomas, whose headquarters were at Steven's Gap, made his ap pearance with his staff and escort for the purpose of looking over the ground. Every soldier knew that we were in a critical position, but the presence of the loved and trusted Commander of the Fourteenth Army Corps gave confidence to all. General Thomas had some tent flys pitched in Davis' meadow and sat down to business as undisturbed and impassive as the craggy mountains around. These temporary headquarters were not re moved for some hours and until shot and shell were fly ing thick and fast. The writer having seen no men tion of General Thomas' presence there in any report or history, and being sent to General Thomas' headquar ters, moreover, having been impressed with his appear ance at that time, records the facts stated as a part of the history of the day's events. About nine there were signs of the enemy's advance. A scout coming in, re ported that the obstructions in Dug, Blue Bird and Cat- REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 119 lett's Gaps, which Bragg had placed there, had been re moved and the rebel advance begun. General Negley (no doubt under orders from General Thomas), deciding that our position was untenable with the forces in hand, prepared to retreat to Bailey's Cross Roads and Steven's Gap. Meantime, during the fore noon, heavy columns of the rebels could be seen ap proaching, the nearest being those from Dug Gap. Their sharpshooters soon struck Sirw ell's Brigade, but Ihis occupied an excellent position well protected, and as the rebel main line came nearer, poured in an effective fire that caused them to halt. Sirwell lost here, three killed and twenty wounded. Then, being relieved by Stark weather's Brigade, Sirwell quietly withdrew to the ridge at Davis; Bridge's Battery of Beatty's Brigade, stationed in Davis' orchard or garden, did some effective work at that time. It was then twelve, and there was a lull in the operations for a short time. A rebel battery had been playing on our lines at Davis, but without doing much damage, except to the residence, which was a very good one of the better class seen on Southern plantations, and to the feelings of Mrs. John Davis, who was an excellent rebel, and vowed she wrould never leave the premises. But after enduring the crash and roar of the shells for a while, taking her two small boys by the hand she decided to evacuate the house. The writer chancing just then to be passing wras appealed to and advised her in warm terms to get behind the hills. She stood not on the order of her going, but went at once. The vision of those two bright, young boys comes before me now. About one p. m. heavy columns of cavalry were visible marching through the fields to our left. A battery was turned upon them. The immense train of four hundred wagons containing all of our ammunition and supplies was by this time got ready, and escorted by Beatty's and Scribner's Brigades, moved toward Bailey's Cross Roads. Their preservation was as im portant as that of the divisions in front. On the road the cavalry endeavored to break in, but were unable to 120 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH do so, owing to the activity and skill of General Beatty, who commanded. The rebels, however, had thrown one regiment forward to Bailey's, which retreated on our approach. This movement was very slow and made with caution. From Bailey's it was continued after 'dark to Steven's Gap. While the trains were being- started and en route, lively work was going on in front, the other brigades of Negley's and those of Baird being hotly engaged around Davis. Negley planting ten guns on the ridge shelled the enemy with good effect. Colonel Stanley commanding the Second Brigade took position to the right and drove back the rebels with musketry as they approached the creek. Starkweather was on the left. Four companies of the Nineteenth Illinois, and one of the Twenty-fourth Illinois, lay behind the stone wall by the creek, and as the enemy advanced almost to the ford, rose suddenly, as from the ground, and poured in a volley that sent them reeling to the rear. Thirty rebels fell dead at the first fire. How many were wounded is unknown. Our batteries on the ridge firing over the infantry did fearful execution. The rebel ad vance was then thoroughly checked for a time and Stanley's command withdrawn nearer to Davis. Stan ley's loss was five killed, twenty-nine wounded, and four missing. The loss of the enemy was never known posi tively, but must have been heavy as they exposed them selves with reckless confidence, knowing the strength opposed to them. It was then after three o'clock and though repulsed on the right, Buckner's Corps was steadily moving in on the left within short range, when terrific firing began on both sides, in which our troops had the advantage of position, but Negley knowing that they would soon charge in overpowering numbers, with drew slowly from one hill to another, covering every movement, until after dark he reached Bailey's. Under further orders the trains had gone on to the foot of the Gap and were parked in rear of a line of hills in the val ley. The entire Division, also Baird's, was then placed near the Gap in as good positions as could be obtained REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 121 in the darkness. There we were joined by the divisions of Brannan and Reynolds, which had just arrived, and General Thomas took command in person. The One Hundred and Fourth during the day had one man wounded, and one, William R. Eyster, of Com pany D, missing; he was probably killed in the thick woods, as he was a sharpshooter. M. Kirkpatrick had his collar shot awa^by a minie ball. During the night the Regiment and Brigade placed along the hills, threw up some slight defenses of timber and rails, which were further strengthened at early dawn of the 12th. Gen eral Beatty and staff spent almost the entire night in the saddle posting picket lines and preparing for attack, which was deemed certain to be made in the morning. Not a moment was spent in sleep. At three a. m., Com- missary-Orr surprised our headquarters by producing a bottle of wine. General Beatty remarked, "Well, let's drink ; we may not be able to a few hours later." Sunday, the 12th, dawned bright and warm, but con trary to expectation, no enemy appeared, and the cav alry soon after reported that they had withdrawn to Dug Gap. This unlooked-for event, though a surprise, was not unwelcome as all were thoroughly worn out and needed rest. General Rosecrans received a telegram from General Halleck at Washington, dated September 11, which stated among other things that rebel desert ers had come in and reported Bragg as sending rein forcements to Lee. Vide Reb. Rec., Vol. XXX, p. 34. This was only a rebel ruse, but Halleck did not seem to discredit it. The writer has dwelt at considerable length on the action at Davis Cross Roads, for the reason that in all the general histories the affair has been hardly more than mentioned, and only in a general way, without giv ing details of what- was a formidable fight, while the skill with which General Negley, aided by Baird, his junior, commanded and extricated the division from their perilous position, and the steady valor of the soldiers, who could see that they were facing over- 122 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH whelming numbers, have been barely alluded to. There is, also, another reason. This was the turning point in the campaign begun June 24th, nearly three months previous, the preliminary opening of the Battle of Chickamauga, fought a few days later. The action uncovered Bragg's designs. It was learned soon after that he had issued orders for an ad vance in force on the 10th, against Negley, but owing to a misunderstanding on the part of his Generals — Hill and Hindman, and the heavy obstructions he had placed in the gaps, there was a day's delay. This saved Negley, as no other forces were then down the moun tain. It, also, probably saved Crittenden, who, on tlte llth, advanced to Ringgold in the valley, preceded by Wilder and Minty, who drove out the enemy and then went as far as Tunnel Hill. These forces, in fact, passed the right flank of a part of Bragg's army, and saw the rebels on every road. But the attention of the rebel commander being absorbed with the movement against Negley, he neglected Crittenden. During the day the movements on the right con vinced McCook that he could not reach LaFayette, nor connect with Thomas east of Lookout. The experience of the Fourteenth Corps was almost conclusive evident* that Bragg had been reinforced, had done retreating, and was determined to bring on a battle. General Rose- crans grasping the situation and consulting with Thomas, at once, on the night of the llth, took meas ures for the concentration of the three corps. Couriers sent to McCook, who remained inactive on the 12th, did not reach him until midnight of that date. He at once set his Corps in motion, and being obliged to return by way of Valley Head, had to cross and recross the moun tain twice in order to reach Thomas. This movement required four days for its execution. Crittenden was reached easier, but being then beyond Ringgold with Wilder and infantry in advance, had to wait for their return. This delayed his moving northwest, nearer Thomas, and on the 12th, when- he marched, he was confronted with two rebel corps sent by Bragg, REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 12a who, having failed to crush Negley, resolved to destroy Crittenden. The safety of the army and Chattanooga was in volved in this movement. But surprising as it may seem, no battle ensued, though skirmishing was carried on all day, and Wilder had a severe engagement at Leet's Tanyard, with a loss of thirty killed and wounded. The enemy lost fifty. The Corps reached Lee and Gor don's Mills on the Chickamauga in safety, where Wood lay with his division. The Fourteenth Corps lay quiet on the 12th, awaiting developments and movements elsewhere. It was necessary also to wait for McCook. General Rosecrans aware of Crittenden's critical po sition gave him orders accordingly. General Crittenden expecting an attack on the morning of the 13th, fortu nately so disposed his forces as completely to deceive General Polk, who commanded the two rebel corps sent to crush him. He began aggressive movements on his front and left, and sent General Van Cleve out on the LaFayette road with one brigade. General Van Cleve soon meeting the rebel advance drove it back three and a half miles. General Polk, happily for Crittenden, halted and sent to Bragg for reinforcements. The lat ter, perplexed and vacillating, then, to the surprise and joy of Crittenden, withdrew Folk's Corps and gave new orders for the concentration of his army on the Chicka mauga. General Rosecrans was kept informed by cour iers as to McCook's movements and it may be supposed, awaited his approach with as much anxiety as did Wel lington that of Blucher at the Battle of Waterloo. It was still possible for Bragg to crush or drive off Crittenden and seize the roads to Chattanooga, when nothing would intervene north but three brigades of the Reserve Corps, then supposed to be at Rossville, five miles from the city. With these threatening possibili ties in view, General Rosecrans ordered (Crittenden with two divisions to move west on the 14th, so as to cover the roads in the A^alley, leaving Wrood at the Mills. There Wood was isolated from any near support, but he could be relied upon to take pretty good care of his part 124 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH of the line. Wilder was called on to cover the ground to Thomas with constant movements and demonstra tions along- the Chickamauga, there rapid and deep with few fords, another favorable circumstance for Rose- crans. The Fourteenth Corps moved one mile northeast on the 14th. On the 15th, Colonel A. B. Moore, and Chaplain Hempstead, both of whom had resigned not long before, were notified of the acceptance of their resignations, on account of disability, and left for home. Colonel Douglas Hapeman now assumed command v of the One Hundred and Fourth. It being evident that a battle must be fought, the re uniting of the Army of the Cumberland became a mat ter of life and death and all the efforts of the command ing general and his subordinates were directed to that end. General Thomas advanced the Fourteenth Corps a mile or two each day until the 17th, this slow progress being necessary on account of McCook. Colonels Minty and Wilder were kept constantly re- connoitering on the front along the Chickamauga, and from them and other sources, it was learned that Bragg was moving along the east bank, and concentrating his heaviest forces on the right, with the- evident intention of trying his favorite tactics of massing on one flank, in this Instance, our left. But Bragg, brilliant enough in conceiving plans, was slow in executing them. He had intended to crush Rosecrans' army, "Exposed in detail,'1 as he expressed it. The golden opportunities had been lost, as he afterward claimed, by the failure of his gen erals to carry out his orders. Yet, the remedy was in his OAvn hands. Learning nothing from the lesson of Davis Cross Roads, and chagrined at the result, he turned in desperation against Crittenden with the same generals, and though having for five days the opportu nity to crush him, weakly abandoned almost certain suc cess and withdrew. While Rosecrans and Thomas were watching the left with untold anxiety, sending courier after courier to REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 125 Lurry up McCook, to their great joy and relief, his heads of column appeared on .the 17th, on the heights of Stev en's Gap and were soon in McLemore's Cove. The Fourteenth Army Corps had no fears for itself. Rosecrans and Thomas enjoyed its full confidence, but knowing that there is a limit to human endurance, and aware of the vast combinations of rebel armies called from the east, west and south, to help Bragg annihilate the Army of the Cumberland, McCook's arrival was greeted with shouts and thanksgivings. The cavalry, which had been with McCook, followed his infantry and were placed on the right, front and rear, to guard the flank and McCook's immense trains under the conduct of the gallant General Lytle, then on the way over Look out. The Fourteenth Corps on McCook's arrival was moved beyond Pond Spring, six miles, and bivouacked near the Chickamauga. Johnson's, Sheridan's and Davis' Divisions occupied the ground left by* General Thomas, with outposts thrown forward towards Dug and Catlett's Gaps of Pigeon Mountain. Crittenden's Corps was then within reach in case of attack, and Gen eral Rosecrans suspecting Bragg's plan kept a watchful eye on the left. During the day, General Steed man, on recon- noissance toward Ring-gold, saw heavy clouds of dust toward Dalton, whence reinforcements would arrive for Bragg; our signal officers on the mountains also ob served the same thing. These tell tale lines tended toward our left. Rosecrans was informed. From scouts and spies and various sources, General Rosecrans had learned bqyond the possibility of doubt that Bragg had been reinforced by Longstreet's Corps from Vir ginia; by Johnston's forces from Mississippi, including paroled prisoners from Vicksburg; by Buckner's Corps, and by Walker's Corps, from Georgia; constituting an army of over 70,000 men, marshaled on the banks of the Chickamauga, for the purpose of not only annihilating the Army of the Cumberland, but retaking Chatta nooga. To oppose this vast aggregation, Rosecrans had 126 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH not over 55,000 men, but neither he nor his soldiers doubted their ability to cope with Bragg and defeat his army. All knew that a great battle must be fought sooner or later, and were anxious to have it over. Some military critics, also some generals, have as serted that Kosecrans should have withdrawn his whole army to Chattanooga on the night of the 17th and 18th, instead of stopping to fight at Chickamauga. This could have been done probably with some loss, but in such case the ultimate results would have been bad, hazard ing not only the possession of the primary object of the campaign, but all the vast territory gained north to the Ohio River, as Bragg, with an unbroken army, could not only have besieged Chatta nooga successfully, but could have crossed the Ten nessee and marched again into Kentucky. There seems to have been on both sides wisdom in the con clusion that a great battle, both for military and polit ical reasons, was an absolute necessity. In view of the impending contest all of the trains, except ammu nition and a few supply wagons, were sent on to Chat tanooga by the roads nearest Lookout and lying west of Mission Ridge. On the morning of the 18th, the corps of McCook and Thomas were put in motion for the left. Neg- ley's Division did not march until three p. m., when we left our bivouac near Owen's Ford, five miles from Crawfish Springs, and proceeded toward the latter place. From Owen's Ford there was only one prac ticable road and this was blockaded with troops, artil lery and trains, making the movement very slow. The nature of the country was such as to admit of no move ments through the fields, except for infantry, and then only at intervals. Dense cedar brakes growing on and among broken limestone rocks abounded everywhere and prevented a passage. During the day more or less cannonading was heard away on the left where Crittenden lay. Beatty's Brigade, after consuming six hours and making three miles, halted at nine in the evening in consequence of orders to take a road to the REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 127 right and relieve Colonel Grose, who was confronting the enemy at a ford of the Chickamauga, three miles from Crawfish. But the One Hundred and Fourth, being still in the rear guarding a train, it was neces sary to wait for its arrival. Not having reported at twelve, General Beatty moved off with the three regi ments and Bridge's Battery, leaving the writer to con duct the Regiment to position. About one a. m. the One Hundred and Fourth arrived and the order was given to Colonel Hapeman. The men were greatly fatigued and needed sleep, but we must go. Falling in, the march was begun and though not very long, there were circumstances that made it seem so. The night was intensely dark, the road a mere trace through the woods with underbrush on each side. There was no talking, not a sound disturbed the still ness which became painful in view of possibilities, pain ful to the writer, charged with the responsibility of finding the Brigade. After marching for a distance that seemed miles, a halt was made and all listened for sounds indicating our proximity to the command. Nothing was heard. Colonel Hapeman and the writer then lighted matches and examined the road for tracks. But having passed no laterals it was certain that no mistake could have been made. We then moved on, and after another age, suddenly stumbled upon some pickets — our own; the balance of the Brigade were sound asleep in the dark forest. It was then two a. m. Reporting to General Beatty, who was greatly relieved by our arrival, such sleep as could be had on this cold night, was sought. No fires were allowed. The 18th had been employed by Bragg in massing his heaviest forces east of the Chicakamauga in front of and beyond Crittenden, who held position from Lee and Gordon's Mills northward, with Wilder and Minty to his left, respectively at Alexander's and Reed's bridges, situated two and five miles from the mills. Tedford's, Dalton's and Byron's Fords were between. General Bragg had issued orders for attack on the 18th, but had been delayed by the same obstacles as 128 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH Rosecrans, namely, few and bad roads, and on this account lost the advantage of a day. The benefit had accrued to the latter, who w^as the better prepared for battle on the 19th. Demonstrations were made in the morning by the enemy against Palmer, who was posted to the right of Crawfish Springs. Also against Wood by Folk's Corps, but these were only intended to divert attention from the left. About ten Minty and Wilder at the bridges, were attacked by portions of Hood's and Walker's Corps, and were able to keep them from crossing until five p. m., inflicting a heavy loss. They then joined Wood. Toward evening, Col onel Daniel McCook, commanding the Second Brigade, Second Division, of the Reserve Corps, attacked and burned Reed's bridge in the face of the enemy, and discovered that a rebel brigade had crossed. The bearing of McCook's discovery on the events of the 19th, as will appear, were important. When the shades of night fell upon Chickamauga valley two great armies, numbering not less than one hundred and twenty-five thousand men, were march ing to take positions for the combat, their movements concealed from each other by the Chickamauga and deep forests. General Bragg's troops spent the night in crossing the river and in the morning they were arranged with Walker's Corps on the right, Hood in the center, Buckner on the left, with Cheatham in reserve. Walker wTas west of Alexander's bridge, Buckner's left one mile north of Lee and Gordon's Mills. Folk's and Hill's Corps were further up the river, the cavalry on both flanks. General Thomas spent the night in moving his divisions to the left, opposite those of Bragg, and at dawn of the 19th he had five divisions in line while others were on the way. General Crittenden still held the line at Lee and Gordon's Mills as a matter of necessity, to cover Thomas' movements, but Palmer and Van Cleve were moved in the night near Thomas. General Negley, with two brigades, filled the space vacated by Palmer, getting into position at daylight. REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 129 Soon after daylight on the 19th, there was occa sional firing on the picket line in front of Beatty's Brigade, then occupying the extreme right of our army and three miles from any support. We occupied a ridge covered with a thin growth of timber arid before us was a cleared field of some twenty acres; just beyond this was a narrow tract of timbered land which bordered the Chickamauga. Heavy woods and underbrush were on each side of the field. The dis tance to the creek was a quarter of a mile or more. The Fifteenth Kentucky was thrown out in front as skirmishers and took position in the woods below the field; skirmishers were also sent to the right and left. These dispositions were made before dawn. The enemy soon showed themselves on the opposite bank and advancing skirmishers across the creek, engaged ours, but did not advance in force. A desultory firing now followed for several hours when suddenly about ten, two rebel batteries opened upon Beatty's position. Captain Bridges replied with good effect. The duel lasted nearly three hours and was intensely interest ing. The reserve regiments during the fight were concealed partly in the woods, and protected to some extent. About twelve General Beatty ordered two guns to be moved to the right a little, to another MIL Captain Bridges misunderstanding the order, moved the whole battery. The rebels seeing it fired faster than ever. General Beatty observing this, having been^sent elsewhere, sent Bridges back to the old position in haste. About this time three pieces of Schultz's First Ohio Battery and the Eighteenth Ohio, arrived from the left The firing then became fiercer than ever. The enemy also began to advance infantry, but halted on discovering our new battery. In half an hour so effective was the fire of our batteries, hav ing dismounted two rebel guns, that the enemy lim bered up and withdrew. Bridges' Battery lost in this action two men killed, nine wounded, and had twelve horses killed or dis abled. The One Hundred and Fourth lost one man, 130 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH mortally wounded, and eight wounded, on the skir mish line and at the battery. Jacob Bane, of Com pany I, lost here his good right arm. At three p. in. General Beatty received orders to join the main army to the left, but the enemy being still in our front across the creek, we withdrew slowly and earefulty. When the rebels discovered our withdrawal, their cavalry at once crossed the creek in our rear, but did not attack, and we reached Crawfish Springs at five. We had heard cannonading all day on the left and knew that heavy fighting was going on there. At the Springs we saw scores of wounded coming back, some on foot and many in ambulances. After a halt to fill the canteens, the brigade moved on north toward the sound of the guns, for tliree miles, and it then being dark, went into bivouac on a ridge near Osborne's farm house, and not far from the WTidow Glenn's, Rosecrans' headquarters. The men tired and hungry prepared their scanty meal of hardtack, bacon and coffee, and while this was being eaten, witnessed in the twilight a charge of Negley's Brigade and Wilder's mounted infantry, less than a quarter of a mile east, which was successful, driving back the enemy half a mile. The heavy fighting of the 19th had been on the left ; beginning at 10 a. m., Rosecrans and Thomas had placed the divisions of Baird, Brannan and Reynolds with Palmer's and Van Cleve's, in positions near to the LaFayette road, at Kelly's house and beyond, so as to •cover any advance from Reed's and Alexander's bridges. They had rightly judged that Bragg would mass his heaviest forces on our left and rear. If suc cessful in destroying that wing of our army and secur ing the LaFayette Road, his way was clear to Rossville and Chattanooga, respectively five and ten miles dis tant, writh no army north except Granger's small com mand at the former place, to oppose him. It was not yet known that nearly all the rebel army was west of the Chickamauga and rapidly approaching, yet such was the fact. Colonel Dan McCook riding up to General Thomas REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 131 early on the 19th, informed him of his adventure the night before and of a rebel brigade being isolated near the bridge. This information led to the opening of the battle, and was opportunely given. General Thomas desirous of capturing the brigade, directed General Brannan to take two brigades and advance on the bridge road. Brannau leaving Croxton's brigade on the left of Baird, moved off with Council's and Vander- "reer's. He had not gone far when he suddenly en countered three brigades of cavalry under Forrest, with infantry on his left. The latter struck Croxton and severe lighting began. General Thomas now advanced Baird. The two divisions soon drove the enemy back and captured 200 prisoners. Meantime Baird saw rebel forces on his right and faced King's Brigade toward them, but Liddell's whole Division pouring in, swept King's and Scribner's Brigades away, capturing ten guns. Starkweather's Brigade coming up met a similar fate. But the tide was to turn. Brannan set it in motion by charging with two brigades, one of his regi ments, the Ninth Ohio, recapturing Gunther's Battery, Fifth IT. S. Artillery, at the point of the bayonet. Great difficulty was experienced here as elsewhere in moving artillery or men on account of woods and underbrush, there being only now and then cleared fields. Thomas and Rosecrans having divined the meaning of these attacks, had taken care to provide for them. Reynolds', Palmer's and Johnson's Divisions immediately arrived and were sent into the conflict near the Kelly house and southeast. General Bragg had made his attack on the supposition that the major part of Rosecrans' army was yet in the vicinity of Crawfish Springs, three miles further south. He intended to swing round his right so as to envelop Crittenden, and then he would also be able to occupy the roads to Chattanooga and stand across the line of march of Rosecrans' center and right. Being confused at the unexpected opposition on his right, his center and left were withheld and rein forcements sent to his right. On this account a large un occupied space between Thomas and Crittenden was not 132 THE ONE HU NDRED AND FOURTH filled by Bragg for some time, which also allowed Kosecrans to make new dispositions. General Sam. Beatty's and Dick's Brigades wrere hurried forward by Crittenden, and General Davis ar rived with Carlin's and Heg's Brigades. These were placed on the right of Van Cleve, and none too soon. Davis was supported on his right by Wilder's mounted infantry with their repeating rifles, which the rebels had learned to respect. In front of Van Cleve, Davis and Wilder, the rebels poured through the woods in overwhelming masses. A desperate conflict then en sued lasting for several hours, the advantage being first with one side and then with the other. Bragg's object being to divide our army the most frantic efforts were- made at this point, the Vineyard farm, to sweep away the forces named. Finally, Dick's Brigade gave way and also portions of the others. At this supreme mo ment reinforcements arrived. These were Marker's Brigade of Wood's Division, and Laiboldt's and Brad- ley's Brigades from Sheridan. Soon after General Wood also arrived with Buell's and Barnes' Brigades. Their timely arrival restored the fortunes of the day for our army. The flanking columns of the rebels were defeated and driven back along the entire line and the conflict ceased at that point for a time. Meantime Brannan, Baird and Johnson, also Reyn olds, having defeated and driven back the rebel right wing (Walker's Corps) a lull followed, which lasted until 5 p. m. when the enemy made a furious attack on Johnson and Baird, whose divisions were being posted in a new position near the Dyer house, east of Glenn's. The attack failed and the enemy retired. The tide of battle had been drifting all day toward the Widow Glenn's house. This stood on the Dry Valley Road to Chattanooga, which one half mile north turned slightly to the left through a pass in Mission Ridge. Two high ridges extended along both sides of the road from Glenn's. At the pass mentioned a spur of Mission several hundred feet high, heavily wooded, ran east, curving north, for a half mile or more. This became REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 133 known as "Horse Shoe Ridge." On its northeastern slope was the "Suodgrass Farm." A half mile further east was the LaFayette Road and the Kelly Farm, with McDaniel's (McDonald's) house a little north of Kelly's. From here the road trended southeast to Lee and Gor don's Mills. Toward evening the enemy made another attack in front of Glenn's, which was repulsed by Neg- Jey and Wilder who drove them half a mile. Darkness had then settled down on the battlefield and both armies rested where they halted, glad of a respite which all knew would be brief, for fierce as had been the con flict, no decisive victory had been gained, and the morn ing would bring a renewal of the battle. The losses on both sides had been very heavy in killed and wounded. The latter on our side, were taken to the field hospitals at Crawfish and in our rear, but hundreds remained on the field to endure the tortures of hunger, cold and thirst — perhaps to die. What tongue can tell, what pen can describe, the suffering and agony of those thus left helpless ! Added to all was the suspense felt as to the final result. The day's fight ing had revealed the fact that Bragg's forces far out numbered our own. He had not only overlapped ours on every occasion, but it was now known that several of his divisions had not been engaged at all, also that Longstreet's Corps had arrived from Virginia. On the other hand, all of Rosecrans' army except one or two brigades, had been in action. There was a general feel ing that the chances were against us. It was true that Bragg had been defeated in his objects and his forces driven back, but he still had the advantage of superior numbers and of the inner and shorter lines of attack. General Rosecrans held a better position on the even ing of the 19th than in the morning, when his army was scattered along for a distance of six miles, and in consequence of which the combats of the day had been a series of distinct engagements, first at one point, then at another. Fortunately General Bragg had been prevented by various causes from making the united and general attack he intended. The unity of our three 134 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH corps had been destroyed, however, by the necessities of the day and the divisions from each intermixed. This ultimately resulted in advantage as it gave Thomas the chief command and forces enough to stem the tide of disaster that overtook the right under McCook early on the 20th and which but for Thomas would have engulfed the whole army. The morning of the 20th, Sunday, found the Chicka- mauga Valley wrapped in a dense fog, which prevented early movements. Rosecrans occupied a line extending from the northeast corner of Kelly's Farm across the LaFayette Boad, thence southwest to the Widow Glenn's. Baird, Johnson, Palmer, Reynolds and Bran- nan were in this order on the left. After midnight, Rosecrans in conference, gave orders for McCook to form a line with Sheridan's and Davis' Divisions, ex tending from Glenn's to the left and connecting with Thomas; Crittenden was directed to hold Wood's and Van Cleve's Divisions in reserve, in the rear of Thomas' right, ready to relieve McCook or Thomas when re quired. Negley who was then on the right of Brannan^ with two brigades, was to be sent to the left of Baird, as General Thomas expected the rebels would renew the struggle there to get in our left and rear just beyond the LaFayette Road. With this understanding the new alignments were begun before daylight, except as to Negley who had not been relieved and remained wThere he was until 10 a. m. General Thomas not understand ing the cause sent to inquire. General John Beatty's Brigade being unassigned was at 8 a. m. sent to the left. Marching along the ridge beyond Widow Glenn's, and descending into the valley east of "Horseshoe," we came to the LaFayette Road near Kelly's house and the narrow cleared field, where the brigade was formed on the left of Baird, who faced east. The battery was placed near the road. General Thomas, then on the left, designated the position. It was a very good one, but on the extreme left of the army, and should have been occupied by a division as General Thomas intended and had been promised. Bridges' REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 135 Battery was placed near the road and a line of skir mishers thrown out to the woods in front. Baird's Division on the right was behind slight breastworks of rails and timber. General Bragg had spent the night in crossing the balance of his troops to the west side of the Chicka- niauga. He had divided his army into two wings — the right and left, commanded respectively by Generals Polk and Longstreet, Orders had been given the former to attack at daylight on our left, and this was to be followed at the sound of Folk's guns, by the rest of that wing. General Longstreet was to await develop ments and attack when expedient. But as usual, Polk delayed and did not move to the assault until nearly 9, and after Bragg had hunted him up and commanded an immediate advance. Meantime, General Rosecrans had ridden the lines and found McCook in bad position with a long, attenu ated line, which resulted from covering too much ground in trying to connect »with Thomas. Changes were ordered, but before the lines could be rectified, it was too late to be effective. Soon after Beatty had taken position on the left, as before stated, an order from General Thomas directed him to move his Brigade northeast and toward Mc Donald's house a quarter of a mile distant. The con sequence of this would be to leave a large unoccupied space on our right toward Baird, but the order, though unwise, was imperative as stated by Captain Gaw of General Thomas' Staff, who added that Xegley was on the way to our support. At that time General Thomas supposed this to be so. We looked in vain for him to arrive as the Brigade moved across the field in the direction ordered. It was then half past nine, the fog had cleared away but clouds of smoke hung over the valley, through which the sun, red, as if with anger, shone down hot and sultry. More or less skirmishing had been going on for an hour in front of Baird, the premonitory signs of attack. Beatty's Brigade ad vanced northeast with two companies of skirmishers 136 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH in front of each regiment. The Eighty-eighth Indiana, (Colonel Humphries) was on the left, the Forty-second Indiana, (Lieutenant-Colonel Mclntyre) next on the right; then came the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois, (Colonel Hapeman) and the Fifteenth Kentucky, (Col onel Taylor); Bridges7 Battery followed. The entire brigade numbered less than twelve hundred men. The skirmishers were immediately engaged and heavily. Such a strong opposition was manifested that General Beatty ordered three more companies, one after the other, to be sent to' the skirmish line, wbich was about ten rods in advance. This left only five companies of the One Hundred and Fourth in reserve. Meantime, the Fifteenth Kentucky was heavily at tacked in front and on the right flank, as also the two regiments on the left. At this juncture, General Beatty sent an Aide to Baird to request that a force be thrown into the unoccupied space on our right, he also sent Captain Wilson to hurry up Negley whom we fondly believed to be approaching. The advance had been slow and was through timber and underbrush making it impossible to see more than the length of one small regiment. This had caused irregularity and uneven- ness in our lines, as well as that of the skirmishers. Advancing northeast and under orders from General Thomas to bear to the left as much as possible toward McDonald's, which instruction the writer heard given, the two left regiments became separated from those on the right, leaving a gap constantly becoming wider. The firing had then become lively and bullets were singing their sweet lullabies in the air and among the trees and brush, announcing the speedy arrival of the enemy. At this time the writer was sent by General Beatty to move the Forty-second to the right so as to connect with the One Hundred and Fourth. On ar riving a few moments after he found the regiment en gaged. To move at that time was impossible. Captain LeFevre, of the staff, coming up then, was killed in a few moments. During this time the Fifteenth Kentucky had been REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 137 slowly pressed back by superior numbers on the front and right. ' The enemy were also discovered pouring- en masse, four columns deep, into the interval between the right and left wings of the brigade and wheeling, with the purpose of taking our left in flank, but Captain Bridges opening with grape and canister brought them to a halt and they fell back into the timber. The Forty-second and Eighty-eighth were slowly pressed back and being outflanked on both sides retreated to the ridges in the rear, with a loss of over one hundred men. Colonel Hapeman, by order of Beatty, formed the One Hundred and Fourth closely aligned with the fifteenth Kentucky, when the two regiments made a gallant stand against overpowering numbers, General Beatty personally directing the movements, but they were obliged to fall back to the road, and did so con testing every inch of the ground. The rebels were then near the battery, and firing into it killed or wounded every man in it and all of the horses; they also captured two guns. Captain Bridges almost surrounded, saved the remainder of the battery with the help of men from the One Hundred and Fourth, and withdrew it to the road, where that Regiment and the Fifteenth Kentucky made another stand, which was rendered more effective by help from Captain Goodspeed's Battery. The enemy were temporarily checked. In the charge on the bat tery, the writer then passing, narrowly escaped. General Beatty seeing the rebels in every direction and leaving Colonel Taylor, (senior officer,) in command of the two regiments, started to the rear to find Negley or Thomas and urge the necessity for more forces on the left. As it appeared, General Negley had just before reached "Horseshoe" with Stanley's Brigade and had sent it forward. This was formed facing the enemy by General Beatty, with Colonel Taylor's command on its left. But the rebels began pressing back the skir mish lines and corning within range were met with a volley that made them halt. The brigade then charged and drove the enemy a quarter of a mile, capturing over 138 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH one hundred prisoners, among them General Adams who was wounded. But no reinforcements arriving',, the rebels again advanced and Stanley's line withdrew slowly to the ridge and took position near the Snod- grass house. Stanly in his report says, "General Beatty was with me and by his cool and gallant bearing added to the enthusiasm of my officers and men, etc." General Negley had remained on the ridge to which many of our beaten troops had retreated and was en gaged in forming them there with some batteries in support. General Beatty was then practically without a com mand as Major Lowrie of Negley's Staff, had been sent by Negley and withdrawn the Fifteenth Kentucky and One Hundred and Fourth to the ridge. Colonel Taylor obeyed the order without consulting Beatty, for which he was afterward sorry, for he was a brave man and had simply erred, thinking he must obey the Major General commanding. Soon after, for reasons ex plained, but wholly unsatisfactory, General Negley taking the troops about him, including Beatty's Brigade and some artillery, moved toward Rossville, a mistake he afterward regretted. Thus the One Hundred and Fourth, with the exception of a few men, was prevented by a blunder from further participation in the battle of the 20th. The Kegiment lost in killed and mortally wounded on the 19th and 20th, seventeen men; wounded — some severely, on those dates and the 21st, forty-nine men. Among the latter were Captain Ludington, Lieutenants Southwell, Sapp, Porter and Calkins, the latter of Beatty's staff. The entire loss of the Brigade was three hundred and ten. As all the records show, and as all know, it did all that mortal men could do to hurl back the division brought against it, and under a less brave and skillful commander might have done less. The rebels had gained at last the LaFayette Road and could have marched into our rear, but failed to- do so, the reason being as shown by Bragg's report that REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 139 his right had suffered so severely and been so nearly used up that he could not send them nor spare any troops from his left. Vide Reb. Rec., Vol. XXX, Pt. 2. Beatty's Brigade had fought ten times its own num bers and contributed materially to that result. It had also relieved Baird on our right from what might have proved disastrous to him and the forces to his right. The tide of battle begun first on the left against Beatty rolled in successive waves to the right, striking Baird next, and soon after extending along the entire front to McCook at the Widow Glenn's. Baird well protected held his position as did the divisions to his right, and after repeated assaults, the rebels ceased to attack for some hours at any point on this part of the line. Following the retirement of Stanley on the left, General Beatty, Captain Wilson, A. A. G., and the writer, repaired to the "Horseshoe" ridge, lying im mediately west, supposing the Brigade must be there, but Negley and all had gone. This hasty withdrawal for which he was subsequently brought before a Court of Inquiry, and which he ingenuously explained, was uncalled for by the circumstances, and had not General Negley heretofore proved himself a brave and skillful commander on many battlefields, the statement would hardly have been accepted. There were numbers of troops on the ridge, the scattered fragments of a dozen commands, but no artillery. It had either been captured or taken to the rear. Baird, Brannan, Reynolds and Wood also, still held firm, but disaster had overwhelmed the right, and the evidence of it became apparent to Thomas and the center between eleven and twelve, when streams of panic-stricken soldiers began to pour through the woods in the rear of the ridge held by Thomas, all going north as by instinct. Many of them seemed to have very little else left. Some were induced to join the line on the ridge. All attempts to rally any large numbers were futile. They were in part the fragments of McCook's command. 140 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH The disaster on the right was due not so much to scarcity of soldiers and length of the line to be defended, as to bad generalship and the doggedness of General Wood. When Thomas had sent to Rosecrans for re inforcements and repeated the requests, all was quiet on our right, which seemed to indicate that Bragg was making his supreme attack on Thomas and the left. Rosecrans therefore prepared to withdraw McCook's line about 10 o'clock, more to the left, nearer Thomas. Orders were given for two of Sheridan's brigades and two of VanCleve's to move toward Thomas. There was, then, no reserve except Wilder's. At that time, an Aide reported that Thomas was heavily pressed and General Brannan's Division out of line, exposing Reynolds' right. Thereupon General Rosecrans sent an order to Wood to "Close up on Reynolds as fast as possible, and support him." Wood knew that Reynolds was not ex posed nor Brannau out of line, the latter being en eche lon in rear of Reynolds, and to close up on the latter, Wood must pass in rear of Brannan, leaving a gap. But Wrood regarding the order as imperative proceeded to execute it, though as a skillful commander of known ability, he must have foreseen the consequences and It was in his power to avert them by delaying the move ment and riding to headquarters. After moving and w^hen too late, he met Thomas who placed him near Baird. Through the gap made the Rebels who had quietly approached, rushed en masse. Part of Buell's Brigade was struck in the whirl and driven back. Bran- man was taken in flank but quickly changed front and held his ground. Lytle's and Walworth's brigades, also Laiboldt's of Sheridan's division, rushed toward the enemy but were soon repulsed, General Lytle, the gifted soldier poet, being killed. These with portions of General Sam. Beatty's and Dick's brigades, being un able to resist the dense masses of the Confederates, fell back over the ridge extending north from the Widow Glenn's. Many pieces of artillery were also lost. Thus five brigades had been swept away from the field as by the besom of destruction. While a few men REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 141 found their way to Thomas, the majority either drifted through the woods in rear of his position or followed Sheridan and Davis dowrn the Dry Valley Road here tofore mentioned as passing through Mission Ridge about one mile north of Glenn's at the very point where Horseshoe ridge begins, on which and its out lying spurs, facing east, southeast, and south, General Thomas writh portions of seven diATisions and many small detachments frOm a hundred commands, stood firm as the everlasting hills about them from noon till night and hurled back the ever advancing hosts of the enemy led by Long-street and his veteran legions, who had been accustomed to walk triumphant over the Army of the Potomac, and had come south as some of those who were captured remarked, "To show Bragg how to fight." There was nothing to prevent Sheridan and Davis with their brigades, yet partially intact, from joining- Thomas by deflecting to the right at the debouchure of the Dry Valley Road near Villetoe's — except the panic which temporarily seized the majority from generals to privates. That this could have been done was proven by the arrival on the ridge of the Forty -fourth Indiana and Seventeenth Kentucky and other detach ments. Also, further proven by the passage of hun dreds of fugitives over the right of the ridge in rear of Thomas, whom many officers, among them the writer, tried to stop by persuasion and a guard line. Failing in this Sheridan and Davis could have gained Thomas by way of McFarland's Gap two and a half miles north, with the greatest ease. But instead of this they went on to Rossville, and as all the histories say, which seems farcical to the writer, effected a junction with Thomas by the La Fayette and Dry Valley Roads! They met his withdrawing troops after dark, too late to be of any service. Had they gone to the ridge Thomas most probably would not have withdrawn at all. In the disaster that swept the right wing from the field, Generals Rosecrans, McCook and Crittenden -142 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH became involved and seemingly lost their heads. They all went to Chattanooga under the impression that the whole left center had been routed, a fatal mistake for them individually, which no amount of explanations, especially as regards the two latter, could ever render satisfactory. The writer, an admirer of Rosecrans now and ever, saw the commanding General pass back with some of his Staff and escort, and was near enough to be impressed with the idea that something had gone wrong with "Old Rosy," what, he knew not at the time. As this occurred on one of the spurs of Horseshoe, it is evidence that there was no difficulty about joining Thomas when they fell back. The statement is given to remove one of the many myths of current history. Meanwhile, Bragg had again attacked on our left with Breckinridge's Division and Walker's Corps, sup ported by fighting Pat. Cleburne. But the first was utterly routed and driven from the field by the bri gades of Willich, Grose, and Vanderveer, while Walker and Cleburne met with the same fate at the hands of Baird, Brannan and Reynolds. These repulses were so complete that later in the day, when Longstreet sent to Bragg for reinforcements from the right, he was informed that "The right had been beaten back so badly as to be of no service to me." Vide Long- streetVReport, Reb. Rec., Series I, Vol. XXX, Part 2, p. 289. General Thomas from headquarters at the Snod- grass house was watching the progress of affairs on the left all unaware of the defeat on our right until the drifting wreckage from that quarter arrested his attention between eleven and twelve. Apprehending the situation, the Titanic force of the man rose equal to the occasion. There was then no attack on the left to claim attention, and riding to the crest above the Snodgrass house, Thomas at once began concentrating all of the forces on the ridge and its outliers, in front of Longstreet. He had left for the battle lines per haps twenty thousand men, but no artillery. The positions were admirable for defense, the ridge proper, REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 143 and the spurs, sloping off toward the enemy in all directions, forty-five degrees, and were covered with oak and other trees. Up those rugged heights the enemy must charge. Longstreet and his soldiers, exultant with victory, having rested and re-formed the lines, soon appeared on the slopes. As they came into musket range, our lines opened with deadly volleys from which the enemy recoiled, only to charge again. The heaviest first attacks fell on Wood and Brannan, but their ranks remained unbroken. During a part of the time the writer was employed in carding ammunition to the crest by order of Gen eral Beatty, who was everywhere present, and carried ammunition himself. There were few Generals there with commissions, but many men who would not have disgraced one. On one part of the ridge there were soldiers of a score of regiments, and all bent to the work as with an energy born of despair, none wavered. But there was one General present worth then 10,000 men! Calm, cool and impassive, with such a look on his face at times as the fabled Imperial Jove might be imagined to have possessed, bearing the stamp of genius and God-like attributes, George H. Thomas stood unmoved and immovable, holding in his hand that day the fate of the Army of the Cumber land and of the Nation! Well did he earn the title, "Hock of Chickamauga." In the long list of generals and heroes Thomas stands as far above all as the towering mountain top above the hill of the valley! Every soldier knew that Thomas was there and turned instinctively as he rode from one point to another in the lull that was only a prelude to another and fiercer attack. It was coming. Bragg and Longstreet were preparing heavy columns to be hurled against the right and rear on that flank by way of a gorge or ravine having its entrance at the west end of Horseshoe ridge, a few rods only from the Dry Valley Road. The time was about one, and it was a serious question how long the attenuated lines could resist the next assaults. 144 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH Ammunition was running low. Some fool had ordered or taken away the ordnance trains to Kossville. All felt as if some crisis was about to arrive for weal or woe. Thomas and others were watching the approach of a body of troops from the rear. They might be friends or foes. Captain Johnson, of Negley's Staff, who was present, rode down to see. They marchecl in quick time as they came nearer, the Old Flag fluttered in the breeze above the glittering bayonets of Gran ger's men, four thousand strong. Cheers loud and long echoed in the forest glades and along the hills and gorges held by Thomas' rnen^ and a devout prayer went up from many a heart in thankfulness. The day was saved. These troops were Whittaker's and Mitchell's Brigades, of the Reserve Corps. In the forenoon they had heard away off at Rossville the low and sullen boom of the first guns, and had become uneasy. No orders were received to go to the front, but feeling that they ought to be there, orders or no orders, the march began. At their head rode General Steedman, who had assumed the responsibility of going to the relief of Thomas. Longstreet had again advanced with the forces of Johnson, Hindman and Kershaw, and had gained a part of the ridge on the right, and was pressing up the gorge when the two brigades led by Steedman appeared on the field and quickly deploying in line, charged with cheers and yells. It was a struggle of Titans and the slaughter was fearful. Steedman's horse being shot he advanced on foot. One of the regiments wavering, Steedman, seizing the flag, shouted, "Boys, you may go back, this flag never!" They charged over the crest driving all before them; the wave rolling up the gorge was pressed back. There were more charges and counter charges by the rebels when the bayonet was used, but the victory was Steed man's, and the rebels falling suddenly back, firing ceased for a time. It was then that Longstreet called for reinforcements and received the answer already quoted. He then organized another attack, which REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 145^ began at four and lasted until dark. In this last assault were the ten brigades of Hindman and the reserve division of Preston not before engaged, or only slightly. General Thomas had also reorganized his lines, robbed the dead of ammunition, both ours and the rebel dead, lying by hundreds on the slopes, and was prepared to contest to the last. It was a repetition of former charges and furiously made. Only as night approached did the angry waves of rebellion recede, having beaten themselves out against the "Rock of Chickamauga," and the gallant defenders of the flag. The slaughter on both sides in the afternoon in some regiments was as high as forty-five per cent and acres were covered with the dead and wounded. At one point on the ridge lay sixty dead rebels close together. General Beatty, who was everywhere a conspicuous figure, at one time commanding, at another carrying ammunition, says, "However much we may say of those who held command, justice compels the acknowl edgment that no officer exhibited more courage on that occasion than, the humblest private in the ranks." The battle was over at dark except a few slight outbreaks here and there, and Thomas held secure possession of the ridge, but in obedience to an order from Eosecrans received soon after four, directing him to retire to Kossville, he prepared to do so at an oppor tune time. General Eosecrans says in his report, "He was to use his discretion." Everything having become quiet, Eeynolds began the movement and in doing so- ran against LiddelPs Division, advancing to attack our left near the La Fayette Road. Eeynolds quickly- formed in line facing the enemy, and Turchin's brigade charging Avith bayonets drove the rebels half a mile, capturing three hunderd prisoners and two cannon'. The withdrawal then continued without interruption, and all the divisions reached Eossville before mid night. Colonel Dan McCook's Brigade of the Eeserve Corps, which had covered the rear during Granger's advance, also assisted in protecting the line of retreat.. 146 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH Preceding the arrival of General Thomas, Negley had been busy in forming a new line of defense at the southern entrance of Rossville Gap, two miles from the village. Artillery and the troops he had taken back or ordered back, also disorganized fragments, were placed in position. General Rosecrans, when he left the field and arrived there, consulting with Garfield and others, and on the supposition of a total defeat, was advised to go on to Chattanooga and prepare to receive the army if defeated and to hold the town if possible. While he did so, Garfield was sent to the front for defi nite information which he at once obtained and for warded to Rosecrans. General Rosecrans arrived in Chattanooga a broken-hearted man, but the new^s from the front roused him to action. He at once sent McCook and Crittenden to their commands. What a spectacle for two corps commanders! He also sent supplies of rations forward to Rossville for the nearly starved sol diers, and thereafter was himself again. General Rosecrans' mistake w^as in not joining Thomas. Had he done so Bragg, not Thomas, would have retreated. There can be no doubt about this, and hundreds of high authorities have so expressed themselves. The night of the 20th was spent by General Thomas in reorganizing the army and disposing it in positions for defense should the enemy advance. To add to its strength Minty's mounted infantry, which had not been in the fight, but were on the left, was called in and several regiments from the rear arrived. General Beatty, who says that at dark he had no idea that the army would retire, and who came near riding into a rebel brigade after dark, supposing them to be our own men, arrived at Rossville in the night and hunted up the Brigade. The writer was wounded and captured on Horseshoe ridge. At daylight on the 21st Beatty's Brigade was put in position in the front line on the ridge near Ross- ville. The rebel advance did not appear until nearly noon, when Beatty engaged them (DibrelPs Brigade) REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 147 in skirmishing, and finally made a charge, driving the enemy from the field, leaving a number of killed and wounded. Captain Leighton, of the One Hundred and Fourth, was severely wounded, and two others slightly wounded. Other forces of the enemy appeared on the left and on the right in Chattanooga Valley, but did not attack. Their movements were merely tentative and, as afterward known, Bragg's army had been too badly shattered to do more at that time than demonstrate. He also believed that Eosecrans had been strongly reinforced by Burnside and other troops. Htrange, but Bragg first learned of his victory through northern sources, and then advanced. Rossville being in every way unsuitable for attack or defense except in front, General Thomas advised General Kosecrans to withdraw the army to Chatta nooga. The movement began at nine on the evening of the 21st, slowly and carefully, and at daylight on the 22d the shattered but reunited Army of the Cum berland stood defiant behind the defenses of Chatta nooga, which three months before it had set out to capture. Thus closed the battle of Chickamauga, the blood iest of the war in proportion to the numbers engaged, the loss on both sides approximating 34,000 men in killed, wounded and missing. The aggregate loss of the Army of the Cumberland was 16,336, specifically as follows: 132 officers killed, 592 wounded, 270 miss ing; 1,555 enlisted. men killed, 8,820 wounded, 4,985 missing. Bragg lost 2,673 killed, 16,274 wounded, 2,003 missing, making a total of 20,950. As a large number of the missing were killed, they must be considered in the estimate. Our loss in material was immense, being 36 cannon, 15,000 small arms, large quantities of am munition, besides wagons and supplies of all kinds. Captain Porter, of the Ordnance Bureau, estimated that our troops expended 2,650,000 rounds of musket cartridges and 7,325 rounds of cannon ammunition. The fighting qualities displayed on both sides were of a character to reflect credit on American valor, while 148 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH the glories of Chickamauga belong equalty to all parts, of the Army of the Cumberland, for all were repre sented in it, even the brigades that were overwhelmed on the right, having previous to that event done des perate fighting and lost heavily in killed and wounded. But the battle was a necessity, and while at first dis appointing to the north, when it came to be under stood in its full meaning, was recognized as one of the decisive battles of the war. Such an one cannot be produced by the mere defeat of an army. It is the consequences, military and political, that flow from it in such a way as to foreshadow and govern the ulti mate result to the contending parties or nation. These were far reaching as soon appeared. Viewed in this light, Chickamauga proved to be a great turning point in/the history of the war on both sides. The Confederates who had made the most tremen dous preparations and concentrated large armies to annihilate that of Rosecrans, exhausting in the effort the resources of the south, failed in all their objects, wrhich they avowed to be not only complete victory in battle, but also the re-possession of Chattanooga, and the re-conquest of Kentucky and Tennessee, they confidently predicting that those results being accom plished, the recognition of the Confederate States and the termination of the war must follow. But none of their fond expectations were to be realized. Their victory was a barren one, wholly disappointing to Jeff. Davis and his people, who expected larger results after such tremendous sacrifices. But few such victories could be afforded. Therefore after a brief period of self-glorification, they began to find fault with General Bragg and his conduct of a campaign that offered opportunities seldom given to any commander. Bragg in turn, to defend his own fame as a General, found fault with his subordinates. Meanwhile unable to attack Rosecrans in his stronghold, he settled down with his army to besiege his enemy and endeavor to accomplish by starvation what he had no hope of doing bv battle. REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 149 INCIDENTS AT CHICKAMAUGA. Narrative of First Sergeant (later Lieutenant) Phi lander Talbot, of Company B : "At the time of our repulse on the left at Chicka- mauga, in falling back from the skirmish line, I became separated from the Regiment and fell back with others to Horseshoe' ridge. When I arrived I found several officers there urging the men to make a stand. They represented that reinforcements were coming and that we would yet win the day. Lieu tenant Calkins, of Beatty's Staff, was there among others. Most of the men were willing to stay, though some having lost their regiments, went to the rear. We immediately went to work to strengthen our posi tion, but had done scarcely anything when the rebels attacked and tried to drive us from the ridge, but were repulsed by the steady fire of our men. We then built slight barricades with what loose material we could find. While doing this the rebels made another attack and were again driven down the hill. By this time our ammunition was nearly gone and the dead and wounded were searched and what they had left in their cartridge boxes was distributed. Reinforcements (Steedman's Division) had arrived and borne the brunt of the last attack. About sundown the enemy made a third desperate attempt to take the ridge, when they were driven as before and charged with the bayonet beyond their own former positions. Our boys then struck up the "Battle Cry of Freedom," the whole line taking up the strain, and when they came to the words, "Down with the traitors, up with the Stars," every fellow emphasized them with a vim that made the woods and rocky hills ring. It was one instance where "Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast," for although the firing continued for some time there was no further effort made to drive us from the ridge, and about 7:30 we moved toward Rossville." James C. Deegan, of Company G, says : "After our fight at Chickamauga on the 20th, P. A. Hawke, J. F. Diehl, H. Campbell, F. L. Pound and myself assisted 150 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH in hauling off some of the guns of Bridges' Battery as the rebels were about to take them. Hawk spiked one of the guns captured by the rebels and while doing it was struck by a spent ball which left a scar over his eye. We did not get back to the Regiment until the 22d, and bore with us a complimentary note from Captain Bridges to explain our absence." William M. Wilson, of Company E, says: "On Fri day night of September 18th, when the Brigade had reached the position assigned to it, I was one of six detailed to go on picket duty down near Chickamauga Creek. We expected to be relieved in the morning,, but were not, and remained there all day, the artillery firing over our heads. There were numbers on this picket line and toward night some of the officers becoming uneasy went back to the hill for orders, but returned and said the Brigade had gone and that they saw several new made graves. It was then about sundown and fortunately some of our cavalry came along and told us we had better get out quick, which we did, and by keeping under cover of the timber and brush at last reached Crawfish Springs, when our surgeons wanted us for nurses in the field hospital there, but we declined and left in a hurry, and finally Joe Wilson and myself reached the Glenn House, Rose- crans' headquarters, where we lay down and tried to sleep. In the morning we found the Regiment and inarched witli it to the left, when I went on the skir mish line with the rest and did what I could to keep back the four or five lines of rebels advancing on us. There were just acres of them and we fired and finally fell back, stopping again to fire as we went and making another stand at the road. From there we went to the ridge about half a mile, and at night arrived at Ross- ville." First Sergeant George Marsh, of Company D, says in regard to Chickamauga : "On the 19th we lay around our battery on a hill near Chickamauga Creek and lis tened half a day to the roar of the rebel guns and ours. Captain Bridges, losing a number of his men,, REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 151 a detail from the One Hundred and Fourth helped to work the battery, ,and here several were badly wounded. About one p. m. our batteries succeeded in silencing the rebel guns and soon after they seemed to be with drawing down the creek. The roar of battle all day had been tremendous on the left and we soon moved in that direction. As we approached Crawfish Springs the movement of our armies for concentration was a grand sight. As we drew near the battlefield on the left the roar of the artillery increased and we soon dis tinguished the crashing sound of musketry, and met long lines of ambulances with blood dripping from nearly all, and from some very fast; these were going to the field hospitals. We arrived on the field about dark and in time to see a most magnificent charge by Wilder's mounted infantry, which formed on our right and rode forward into the thick woods, where we saw *no more of them, but heard from their Spencer repeating rifles the most continuous and rapid fire I had ever listened to, accompanied by the sharp crack of their light howitzers. The rebels were equally in earnest, for they had immense masses of infantry there in the dark woods waiting for them. They also had a heavy gun that gave a deep growl about once a min ute and shook the ground where we stood formed in squares ready to show what we were there for if Wilder should be driven back, but he was not. We then went back behind a little ridge to sleep — perchance to dream of home. "On the morning of the 20th we were sent to the extreme left and soon a tremendous battle was raging all along the line. We were formed in some timber on level ground and our skirmishers were sent out when we advanced, but we soon met the rebels four lines deep and were driven back. We were attacked by Adams' Brigade, of Breckinridge's Division. At the order of Colonel Hapeman we fired by volley into their ranks, but without stopping them in the least. They came on steadily with their light wool hats pulled down over their eyes, like men breasting a storm. Our 152 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH light line was soon obliged to fall back to a road in our rear (the La Fayette Road), where we again formed near our battery and made further resistance, but were unable to stop them. I had been wounded in the first attack and felt as though struck by a whip; there was no time then to examine the wound and I assisted in removing one of the guns, when we retired to the ridge. At the road there was more or less excitement. Colonel Hapeman was doing his best, as also Major Widmer to hold the Kegiment firm. Lieutenant Rood, of Company G, said, 'They are just as tired of this as you are.' Lieutenant Clark was disgusted because his revolver would not go off. Lieutenant Wm. C. Ross, of Company B, who was a giant in stature, had hold of a sapling with his left hand, and waving his sword with his right, shouted, 'Come on; I aiii enough for a whole regiment of you my self. ' I have no doubt but that he felt so. Sergeant W. H. H. Hutton, of 'Com pany D, who had been promoted to Color Sergeant on the field in place of James G. Seward, of Company E, mortally wounded, shouted, 'Just as well, boys, to die right here as anywhere.' Colonel Hapeman was not excited and I will say that I never knew him to seek cover under fire, though he required the men to lie down unless a charge was ordered. Major Widmer was very active and efficient all through the battle and brave as a lion, all said." 154 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH The rebels did not advance in force until the 22d, when they began taking position from Mission Ridge on the east to Lookout Mountain on the west, south west from Chattanooga, but their heaviest forces were placed in the valley closely confronting our lines there,, covering on their left flank the base of Lookout to Chattanooga Creek, which near by runs into the Ten nessee. They also occupied Lookout Mountain on the 23d, (our small forces withdrawing as they approached) and began erecting works preparatory to planting a battery with which to shell the town, three miles dis tant, also Moccasin Point, opposite and across the river. The Tennessee flowing by the north side of the city makes a sudden curve at the western extremity southward, until striking the base of Lookout it runs west for a short distance, and then flows northward again, forming a peninsula of the exact shape of a moccasin. General Longstreet was sent to occupy Lookout Valley west of the Mountain. These disposi tions enabled Bragg to cut off all communications between Chattanooga and Bridgeport by way of the river and railroad on which the beleaguered army was dependent for food for man and beast, except by the wagon road on the north side of the river sixty miles long, over Walden's Ridge, and thence down the Sequatchie Valley to Bridgeport. This rendered sup plies uncertain even in good weather, and as the rains soon set in the road became almost impassable, and, moreover, Avas exposed to raids should Bragg's Cavalry cross the river. On the 22d Rosecrans' army numbered 35,000 men and he had on hand fifteen days7 rations, so the pros pect for starvation not far in the future was very good. Later General Bragg sent word that he intended to keep our army there until it appreciated mule meat and horse flesh. The first work of the army was to make the town impregnable to attack, and working day and night this was done in a few days, but elab orate fortifications were planned and carried to com pletion more leisurely. On the 24th General Rose- REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 155- crans telegraphed the President that he could not be dislodged. Many thanks were due to Bragg for hav ing left some partial defenses when he retreated and Bragg afterward expressed his regret for doing so. As it appears the rebel commander expected Rosecrans would not attempt to hold Chattanooga, and his signal officers and scouts reported on the 22d, 23d and 24th that Rosecrans was moving his trains and much infantry across the Tennessee, which implied retreat. On the 24th Bragg demonstrated along our front and in the skirmishing, which lasted all day, the One Hundred and Fourth was engaged, Fort Neg- ley taking a part by shelling the rebels over the heads of our troops. But it became evident to Bragg very soon that no retreat was intended and he began for tifying his lines with rifle pits and forts across the valley, and on the slopes of Mission Ridge, there being no'less than two or three lines of rifle pits along the base of the latter and one on the top with earthworks for batteries, extending at least three miles. Lookout Mountain fortified by nature on every hand, was fur ther guarded on top by rifle pits along the north and west sides, and two miles south, by another line extending east and west across the mountain. Large portions of these as well as those along Mission Ridge can still be seen. Away up on the northeast side of Lookout, eighteen hundred feet above the valley below, are the palisades of perpendicular sandstone three hun dred feet high, and beneath these the Craven house and farm of forty acres, the ground sloping off steeply, but cleared. Here the rebels took great pains to for tify the front looking toward Chattanooga, but they left the back door open toward Lookout Valley, and through this Hooker afterward walked in while the One Hundred and Fourth knocked at the front. On the 26th the enemy attacked our picket lines on the left early in the morning, but after sharp firing was driven back. General Palmer received a severe flesh wound. Under a flag of truce arrangements were made for the paroling and removal of our wounded from the .156 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH hospitals on the battlefield to Chattanooga, except a number of cases too severe to permit of it. Medical officers and supplies had been left with them when the army fell back. Taking care of the thousands of wounded taxed the resources of the Medical Corps to the utmost and being unable to quarter all in build ings, a large tent capable of holding fifteen hundred, was erected. Hospitals were established also at other points. Fortunately two hundred bales of cotton were found in the town and nearly two hundred men were detailed to make it up into mattresses, so that in a few days all the wounded had comfortable beds. If Bragg had ever contemplated attacking it was then too late. It was evident that matters had settled down to a regular siege, in which starvation was to do the work that Bragg's army could not accomplish. Long- street had suggested a movement northward, hoping to oblige Rosecrans to retreat, but Bragg did 'not favor it. Meantime the besieged army settled down to await events and with that adaptability to circumstances which every soldier soon acquires, proceeded to make itself at home by the construction of quarters from the debris of houses in the town. There was an abun dance of brick and clay and these were utilized in the walls and chimneys; the shelter tents served for roofs. The structures were very small, but comfortable. These quarters dotted the hillsides and valleys in the town, and carried one back to the time when the Indians occupied here very similar abodes, which the early pioneers taught them to build. It is related by General Beatty, of two soldiers, that while in their kennel one day a rebel shell from Lookout dropped inside, when one turning to the other said : "There, you blanked fool, what did you leave the door open for?" Very soon after getting settled down with no fight ing to do in the field, the thoughts of all and the tongues of all were busy in discussing the recent battle and the actions of McCook, Crittenden and Negley, but •especially the two former. This was to bear fruit soon REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 157' after in the removal of those gentlemen to await the slow proceedings of courts of inquiry. As to General Kosecrans he still had the confidence of the army and it would have continued to fight under him so long as Thomas was his great Lieutenant, for they, consider ing the past, looked upon the two as a combination possessed of all the elements necessary to success. They saw no reason why he should be shelved for one mistake any more than Grant for Pittsburg Landing, saved by BuelPs army, and superseded by Halleck for a time. Matters in Chattanooga remained comparatively quiet until October 5th, when the rebels at one p. m. opened with their battery on Lookout and two guns from Mission Ridge, but the range was too great and little damage beyond wounding one soldier, followed. On the 9th in accordance with orders from the War Department, the Twentieth and Twenty-first Corps were consolidated and became the Fourth Corps with General Gordon Granger as commander. This retired McCook and Crittenden. There was also a new organ ization of brigades and divisions consequent on the consolidation. The One Hundred and Fourth was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, Four teenth Corps, General W. P. Carlin commanding the Brigade, and Rosseau, afterward General R. W. John son, the Division. The other regiments of the Brigade were the Second, Thirty -third and Ninety-fourth Ohio, the Tenth Wisconsin, the Fifteenth Kentucky, the Thirty-eighth, Forty-second and Eighty-eighth Indiana, nine in all, with an aggregate of 2,072 men, or about 230 to the regiment. In the Department General Reyn olds was made Chief of Staff, General W. F. Smith Chief Engineer, and General Brannan Chief of Artil lery. All of these changes had become necessary and were regarded favorably by the army, which realized that the present inactivity could not continue for any long period. The rations were daily becoming shorter and forage for the animals impossible to obtain. They began dying rapidly, and many were turned loose 158 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH among the hills and mountains on the north side to pick up a living but eventually to die of slow starva tion. The rebel General Wheeler, having succeeded in crossing the Tennessee with a large cavalry force on October 1st, made a raid on our line of supply to Bridgeport, and at Anderson's Cross-roads, destroyed a train of three hundred wagons loaded with supplies. Colonel McCook, moving from Bridgeport, overtook Wheeler's forces and drove them across the valley, kill ing some and recapturing eight hundred mules and wagons. Wheeler, who had three columns, moved nearly to Murfreesboro, doing much damage, but being pursued by all our cavalry in which he lost heavily by fighting and desertions, was glad to escape across the Tennessee in a disorganized condition. The question of supplies for the besieged was the vital one and demanded immediate solution. General Hooker had been sent with the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps from the Army of the Potomac to Bridgeport in anticipation of movements to be undertaken for the raising of the siege. Bragg's army having control of the river on the south side, Rosecrans prepared plans to dislodge him by a movement of Hooker from Bridgeport, supported by forces from Chattanooga. A steamboat at the lat ter place was repaired and a new one built at Bridge port. Pontoons were also constructed, all under the supervision of General W. F. Smith. In the midst of these preparations, General Rosecrans was relieved from command by virtue of an order from the Presi dent of October 16th. The same order created a new Military Department with General Grant as Com- mander-in-Chief, and this new Division included Ten nessee. At the same time General Thomas was appointed to command the Army and Department of the Cumberland. General Rosecrans leaving his fare well order to the army to be read after he left, started for Cincinnati on the evening of the 19th. When the order became known there was much regret among the REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 159 soldiers, with whom he had lost none of his popularity. Had not General Thomas been appointed to succeed him, there would have been the greatest dissatisfac tion if not open rebellion. General Rosecrans was a man who had many ene mies and was often hasty and imperious to his supe riors andjiot sparing in his criticisms of them. He had while in Mississippi, not hesitated to criticise General Grant, which in time was sure to bear fruit. But his time had come, and the greatest strategist of the war must step down. Time will only increase the estimate of the great services he performed in the most critical period of the war and cannot lessen his fame. General Grant on assuming command, which he did at once, telegraphed General Thomas to hold Chat tanooga at all hazards. To this he replied, "We will hold the town till we starve." The army was then on quarter rations and it was no uncommon thing to see soldiers following the wagons in order to pick up any grains of corn or bits of hard-tack that might fall out, while the horses ,and mules lost so much of their scanty allowance of three or four ears per day that it became necessary to guard them while eating. There was an abundance of oak trees between the town and Mission Ridge and elsewhere. The rebels were in possession of the greater part of this space, their picket lines in front, but our boys, or some of them, looked with long ing at those trees, believing that acorns would prove an acceptable article of diet and help to fill an empty void, so many attempts were made on dark nights to get them. Marshall Bagwill, of Company G, One Hun dred and Fourth, thus relates his experience: "While on picket in front of town and being very hungry, I located an oak tree during the day near the rebel line, which I concluded had plenty of acorns on it, and resolved to get some after dark. Wlien night came I crawled out, but observing a rebel picket not far from the tree, was obliged to crawl around him. This occu pied an hour, but I finally succeeded in climbing the tree and filled my pockets with acorns, and they proved 160 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH to be very sweet and good. I then returned as care- fully as I went!" This simple tale shows the great privations to which the army had been reduced, but amid all there was a feeling that relief would soon come and the universal sentiment was, starve but never surrender! The days dragged slowly on. Firing on the picket lines had ceased by mutual agreement and the pickets frequently .met to compare notes, exchange tobacco, coffee and newspapers. These meetings did good rather than harm to our side. Neither party were there in hostile array because they hated each other, except in rare instances, but because they had an idea that they were fighting for principles and rights. The war was the inevitable consequence of the two systems of what we call civilization, so absolutely antagonistic, however, in their teaching and tendencies that the struggle had to come, and therefore all, except the most radical, were inclined to make it as humane as pos sible, on our side to temper firmness and zeal with due consideration for the masses of their enemies, whom they considered as the tools of a slave-ruling oligarchy, which was true beyond all question. The writer desires to observe here as a result that cannot be denied, that the war made the thinking, intelligent soldiers of both sections, better, more patriotic and conservative citizens, and in that view alone was not only an educator, but a national blessing. The One Hundred and Fourth was moved on the 15th over to the river nearer Lookout, and there after did picket duty along Chattanooga Creek, the rebels holding the south bank. General Rosecrans having possession of Moccasin Point had placed some heavy guns there which frequently exchanged compli ment's with the rebel battery on Lookout, but beyond amusing the boys and relieving the general monotony, neither did much damage except to ammunition. General Grant arrived on the 23d, and on the 24th, accompanied by General Thomas and General Smith, made a thorough reconnoissance of the Tennessee below REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 161 Chattanooga on the proposed line of operations against Longstreet, for the purpose of determining upon the plans already prepared for opening the river and rais ing the siege. General Grant having approved of all that was proposed, General Thomas hastened forward the enterprise so quickly and quietly that almost before our army realized what had been done, success crowned his efforts and the blockade of the river was at an end. That very day, the 24th, General Thomas ordered Hooker to concentrate the Eleventh Corps and one division of the Twelfth (Geary's) at Bridgeport, ready to cross the river and advance toward Lookout Valley. Hooker was to arrive in the valley on the 28th, which he did. The greatest secrecy and nicety of calculation for the corresponding movement from Chattanooga wras necessary, and to General W. F. Smith, who com manded the expedition, was also due the credit for all the details of arrangement. The night of the 26th was fixed for the movement, and under cover of the darkness sixteen hundred picked men under General Hazen were embarked on fifty pontoon boats and two flats, in companies of tw^enty-five each and an officer. General Turchin with his own brigade, the rest of Hazen's, and Major Mendenhall with three batteries, went overland across the peninsula to Brown's Ferry, where the landing was to be made, and remained con cealed in the woods, ready to cross when the boat expe dition should become established on the southwest side, or cover it in case of failure. At three a. in. on the 27th, the boats manned by oarsmen, moved down the river close to the right bank. The moon was obscured by clouds, and there was a mist hanging over the river. It was nine miles around to the place of landing, seven of which was patroled by rebel pickets on the left shore, while opposite Moccasin Point, Look out frowned down upon them. But the trip \vas made in safety, and as the first boat arrived, the pickets fired a volley and fled. All the men then quickly disembarked and forming in line rushed up the hill, where, meeting a small force, they dispersed it and 162 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH began fortifying. Meantime, Turchin's and Hazen's men were brought over the river in the boats. The rebels having recovered from their surprise brought up reinforcements of about a thousand men and attacked, but were soon driven off, losing some in killed and captured. Hazen's loss was thirty-eight. Our troops captured here two thousand bushels of corn and twenty cattle, which was a very important addition to the commissary at that time. In a few hours the place was made secure against attack and the pontoon bridge laid across the river. The significance of the movement did not seem to dawn upon the minds of the rebel com manders, as no more attempts were made during" the day to dislodge Hazen, though the rebels kept up a harmless bombardment from Lookout on the pontoon and Hazen's position. Hooker, moving from Bridgeport on the 27th, reached the vicinity of Lookout Valley at three p. m. with his head of column. Then Bragg and Longstreet began to wake up to the meaning of the Brown's Ferry attack, but too late, as we already had five thousand men there. Hooker advancing east from Wauhatchie, encountered the enemy's skirmishers and driving them before him without much trouble, went into camp about six, a mile from Brown's Ferry. Geary's Division bivouacked at Wauhatchie, three miles distant. The two forces thus covered the roads to Brown's and Kel- ley's Ferries, while Hooker threw out a regiment to guard a crossing of Lookout Creek. About twelve at night Longstreet advanced with two divisions to make an attack and encountered this regiment. This gave Hooker time to form the Eleventh Corps (Howard's) in line. Geary's Division being isolated and some three miles from Howard, was fearful of an attack and had remained under arms with strong pickets thrown out. Soon after Longstreet's forces divided into two bodies, attacked Geary fiercely, expecting to surprise him, but in this were disappointed. Hooker, advancing a part of Howard's Corps to aid Geary, struck the rebel col umns and thus the battle raged along the whole line, REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 163 lasting in front of Geary for two hours. But the rebels were routed at all points and fell back to the hills in the valley where they had intrenchments. Howard's troops pursued, climbing up several hundred feet, which would have been difficult to do even in daylight, and drove the enemy from their works at the point of the bayonet, capturing over one hundred. The rebels then withdrew from the valley and "Fighting Joe Hooker" was in possession. Meantime General Thomas had sent reinforcements, but they were not needed. Hooker lost in killed, wounded and missing 437 men, the enemy 1,500, of which Hooker buried on the field 153 dead rebels. The river was now open and repairs on the road to Kelley's Ferry began at once. The steamer Paint Rock passed down on the night of the 29th, and though shelled by the rebel guns on Look out, was not harmed. The steamboat at Bridgeport came up to Kelley's loaded with supplies, which could be hauled the eight miles to Chattanooga without trouble. Thus was solved the question of food, and so easily and quickly that Bragg and Long-street must have been struck with amazement as well as shame. By this brilliant stroke, of which General Thomas says, "Preliminary steps had already been taken to execute this vitally important movement before the command of the Department devolved upon me," the force of the siege was broken, the hold of the enemy upon Lookout made useless and precarious, while it also must have warned Bragg that it was only a question of time when he must fight for the rest of his positions around Chattanooga. In the early days of October, Jeff. Davis while visit ing Bragg's army and looking down upon the besieged host, had predicted its speedy destruction by starva tion. The announcement of the failure of his and Bragg's hopes and plans must have seemed like the handwriting on the wall, pointing to his own over throw. The effect upon the Army of the Cumberland was magical. The prospect of having full rations again 164 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH very shortly, together with the prospect of driving Bragg from his remaining strongholds, and revenging Chickamauga, gave new vigor to all. But the work could not proceed at once for various reasons. There were no horses to move the artillery, General Meigs, Quartermaster-General, estimated that over 10,000 ani mals had perished during the siege; the few left could hardly drag themselves around. More troops with sup plies of all kinds seemed requisite to render success certain. However, with a fatality that seems wonder ful in view of his past and recent experiences, General Bragg (or President Davis) grasping at straws, de tached Longstreet with his corps a few days after his defeat by Hooker, and sent him to besiege Knoxville. He did this in expectation of overwhelming Burnside, thinking that he could hold his lines around Chatta nooga in the meantime, and gain a victory that would revive the failing cause of the Confederacy and the spirits of his army. Generals Grant and Thomas, anxious to take ad vantage of Bragg's error, prepared to attack on the 7th, but having made a thorough reconnoissance of the enemy's lines became convinced that it would be im practicable to do so just then, nor until Sherman should arrive with the Fifteenth Corps, which would give Grant a preponderance of men over Bragg, though the latter's position on Mission Ridge would equalize the difference. From that time forward the signs of busy preparation everywhere within the lines of our army betokened that a battle would soon occur. The One Hundred and Fourth, which, during the siege, had done its share of duty on the skirmish and picket lines, was increased somewhat beetween the 1st and 14th by the arrival of members who had been sick or wounded, and had returned from home or hospitals. Among those were Sherman Leland and Sergeant George Marsh, of Company D. The latter was quite severely wounded at Chickamatiga, and obliged to go, much against his will, to hospital at Nashville. Under the date of November 14th, Marsh says: "We are REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 165 camped in the western part of town, and are on a quarter to three-quarters rations of hard- tack and fresh beef only. We have comfortable cabins roofed with pup tents. Our pickets and the rebels are close together but very friendly, exchanging surplus articles, of which, however, there is very little of anything. The enemy's battery on Lookout throws an occasional shell that does no harm. This is a shabby little town of few houses and completely covered by our guns and works. There is no danger of an attack, or rather no hope of one." CHAPTER XII. The Battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge. The last chapter closed with the Army of the Cum berland still besieged and on short rations, but these calamities came to be regarded as incidents of the serv ice which would soon pass away with a correspond ing compensation for the sufferings endured. General Bragg, incapable of prosecuting offensive movements against his enemy, while keeping up the semblance of a siege, had been weakening his army and looking^ wildly in other directions for opportunities to achieve a success that would aid the Confederate cause. At the very moment of greatest peril he detached Buck- ner's Corps to aid Longstreet, apparently unconscious of the vast forces being arrayed against him, at least not stopping to consider what it all meant, or else giv ing a wrong interpretation to the movements going on almost within view of his lines. General Grant, keenly alive to the opportunity pre sented for striking an effective blow and breaking through the barriers that held the army inactive, 'had hurried Sherman forward with the Fifteenth Army Corps of four divisions from Mississippi, and in the middle of November the leading division of General John E. Smith reached Bridgeport, but the other divi sions were far behind owing to bad roads and their immense trains. However, General Grant planned to attack on the 21st. General Sherman rode forward from Bridgeport on the 15th by Grant's request, when, with Thomas, a conference was held, and General Sherman made acquainted with the proposed plans and the part his own troops were expected to perform. Briefly stated, General Sherman was to move his four divisions from REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 167 Brown's Ferry up the north side of the river to a point opposite the mouth of South Chickamauga Creek, where he w^as to cross on a pontoon bridge to be laid down by General Smith, and assail Bragg's right, which was supposed to occupy the north end of Mission Ridge. At the same time, General Hooker was to operate on the enemy's left from Lookout Valley. It being ex pected that Bragg would draw from his center on the ridge to strengthen his flanks, General Thomas with the forces under his command was to advance in con formity with Sherman's movements and attack in front, but it seems to have been General Grant's idea that General Sherman's troops would have to do the heavy fighting, and what the latter has written in his "Memoirs," Vol. I, p. 362, shows that he derived such a*n impression from Grant. He reports him as saying, "that the men of Thomas' army had been so demoralized by the battle of Chickamauga that he feared they could not be got out of their trenches to assume the offensive." Again, "The Army of the Cumberland had been so long in the trenches that he wanted my troops to hurry up and take the offensive first! after which he had no doubt the Cumberland Army would fight well." General Sherman was frank, foolish and vain enough to embody the foregoing in the form of history, and which in the light of what he actually did and did not do, had better have been omitted in deference to his own fame, the truth of history, and justice to the heroes of Chickamauga, dead and living. But as events developed on the eve of action, General Grant modified his pre-arranged plan at least twice on the suggestion of General Thomas, but the latter's proposal to move General Sherman's divisions through Chattanooga and up the south bank of the Tennessee to the north end of Mission Ridge, a plan that was practicable, easy, and could be executed in the night time, was not adopted. The wisdom of General Thomas' advice was shown when Sherman, after spending much time and labor, crossed over from the north bank, and having 168 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH become established, but with no enemy in sight for two and a half miles, was met by General Howard with three regiments which he had marched up the south bank early on the 24th; these he left at General Sher man's request and then with his escort rejoined the main command. On the 18th General Grant announced to his com manders that the attack would be made on the 21st, and preparatory to this, General Thomas directed Howard's Corps to take position between Brown's Ferry and Chattanooga, to be replaced in Lookout Valley by the brigades of Whittaker and Grose. He also sent General Davis' Division and Colonel Long's Cavalry to the north bank of the river to co-operate in Sherman's movement. On the 20th General Bragg had notified General Grant by a flag of truce that it would be well to remove all non-combatants from the town. Heavy rains set ting in and continuing, prevented Sherman's divisions from getting up, so that no attack was made on the. 21st or 22d. General Thomas then suggested that Howard's Corps should be used by General Sherman, and Osterhaus' Division, if behind, be turned over to Hooker for an attack on Lookout Mountain. General Grant adopted the suggestions. Accordingly, How ard's Corps moved through Chattanooga on the 23d, and took position near Fort Wood in plain sight of Mission Ridge with the object of deceiving Bragg as to Sherman's movements, and also to have the Corps within supporting distance of Sherman. Generals Grant and Thomas were fearful that Bragg would throw up the siege and escape without a battle and became anxious to attack, which it was very desirable to do while Longstreet and Buckner were away. Gen eral Grant was also concerned about Burnside, who was closely besieged at Knoxville. He resolved not to delay longer. As an initial movement, a recoimois- sance in force was ordered about (noon to be made from the center by Wood's and Sheridan's Divisions against the rebel advanced lines which occupied intreuchments REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 169 on a high ridge 2,100 yards east of Fort Wood. The center of this line was Orchard Knob, a rocky hill one hundred feet high, where the rebels had an epaulement for a battery. From the Knob their rifle pits extended northeast toward Mission Ridge for a mile and a half, where was another line two miles long. From the Knob south there was a low ridge extending half a mile which was fortified with rude works. All of these were occupied by the rebel outposts. One mile beyond lay Mission Ridge, the rebel stronghold, on the brow of which Bragg's main army, supported by nearly one hundred pieces of artillery, were ready to deal death and destruction. To General Thomas J. Wood and his division was given the honor of making the first attack that was to usher in two great battles By 1:30 p. m. of the 23d the three brigades of Willich, Hazen and General Sam. Beatty were in line; on their right rear, Sheridan's Division; in support of these en masse Howard's Corps. To the right of Sher idan, Baird, while Johnson's Division, under arms, awaited events. As these thousands thus formed in serried ranks on the slopes and plain in front of Fort Wood under the eyes of their great Commanders, Grant and Thomas, the sun of a perfect day shining down upon the starry flags and gleaming bayonets of the embattled array, produced a spectacle of military grandeur which it seldom falls to the lot of man to behold. From the cloud-capped summit of Lookout, on the heights of Mission Ridge, and within the Union lines, more than one hundred thousand men were watching the grand pageant. The rebel hosts looking on in wonder and amazement mistook it for a review. At the sound of the bugle Wood's veterans advanced in perfect alignment across the plain, which for a quar ter of a mile was clear, but beyond thinly wooded. Not a man straggled in all that long line as it moved swiftly forward and brushed away the rebel pickets in the edge of the woods. Willich's Brigade marched straight for Orchard Knob, Hazen charged the intrenchmeuts to the right, which were on a rocky ridge, and met with 170 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH much opposition, but carried the whole line with a rush at the point of the bayonet, capturing the Twen ty-eighth Alabama entire writh its colors. Hazen lost in killed 22, wounded 100, which shows the character of the fighting. Willich lost 4 killed and 10 wounded. The casualties would have been greater had the attack been less fierce and impetuous. The rebels who escaped fled to the trenches at the base of Mission Ridge. Beatty's Brigade on the left had little to do. General Thomas then directed Wood to fortify, which he did under a heavy artillery fire from the rebel bat teries on the ridge, but only one man was slightly wounded, strange as it may seem. Sheridan's Division, advancing to the right on the prolongation of the Orchard Knob range to what is now the National Cem etery, met with little resistance, and also fortified. Howard's Corps moving to the left and northeast of Orchard Knob drove back the rebel pickets and skir mishers in the flat wooded plain along the headwaters of Citico Creek, there a mere brooklet, and established his lines. There were no large forces of the enemy to oppose, and thus the movements of the day ended in success and the attainment of most advantageous posi tions for further operations, one mile in advance of Fort Wood and about the same distance from the base of Mission Kidge, whose heights from four hundred to five hundred feet high must be stormed. General Granger, commanding the Fourth Corps, received an order after dark to have everything ready for further offensive operations on the 24th. As afterward known, Bragg then recalled a part of Buckner's Corps. The One Hundred and Fourth w^hich, during the day and night had, with the Brigade, remained under arms, was to take a conspicuous part in the two approaching bat tles. The morning of the 24th opened with a slight rain, which finally ceased. General Grant's army of 76,000 men was astir early and preparing for battle. The top of Lookout was veiled in clouds when General Hooker, under orders from General Thomas, mar- REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 171 shaled his command of 9,681 men for the assault. He had portions of the Army of the Potomac, of the Ten nessee and of the Cumberland, all strangers to each other, but nevertheless animated by one common impulse, and if any further incentive was needed to deeds of bravery, it was furnished by the very grandeur of the battlefield. Geary's Division, supported by Whittaker's Brigade, proceeding up Lookout Creek, crossed near Wauhat- chie at eight, capturing the pickets, forty-two in num. ber. They then moved on down the right bank driving all before them and began ascending the mountain. By eleven Wood's and Grose'sBrigades having crossed Lookout Creek, aligning themselves with Geary's left, moved forward amid the firing of artillery from several batteries which Hooker had placed on some hills ; these raked the enemy severely in their trenches and breast works, and trying to escape they ran into the infantry and were killed or captured. There were portions of sev eral rebel brigades represented there. The rest of Oster- haus' command now came up on the left, and the whole1 line, extnding from the palisades to the valley swept forward regardless of all obstacles natural and artifi cial, and the former were of the most stupendous charac ter, until about twelve, the right had gained the crest of the slope on the north end of Lookout and immedi ately beneath the muzzles of the rebel battery on the point, or coronal of the mountain. Clouds hung over all, and amidst these the fighting was done. The atten tion of both armies all along the eight or ten miles of battle front had been earnestly fixed on Lookout since early morning, and the result was awaited with anxiety. The sound of musketry mingled with the hoarse, sol emn boom of Hooker's guns and the artillery on Moc casin Point, approaching nearer through the murky clouds, announced success. Soon the lines of blue and the starry banners appeared on the lofty heights, mov ing slowly to victory around the point. Before them in retreat was the line of gray. Orders to halt and re-form 172 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH were disregarded. The rebels were on the run — panic stricken. Our troops flushed with success and spurred on no less by the insipration breathed in to theeir souls from the grandest arena of conflict known to American history, than by the cheers and shouts of waiting thou sands on the plain below, rushed forward to hurl the enemy from their main stronghold, Craven's (farm. Their elaborate works were for them a slaughter pen, Hooker's men poured into these a destructive flre from above. They had been reinforced and attempted counter movements but these only resulted in greater defeat and they were driven from the plateau around Craven's in wild disorder over the rocks and precipices. About 2 p. m. the fighting was over and further opera tions suspended owing to the clouds and darkness on the mountain. The two regiments of Osterhaus' on the left advancing along the road reached the valley and opened communication with our lines across 'Chatta nooga Creek. Hooker was then firmly established from the latter point to the palisades. He had fought num bers equal to his own over ground that seemed almost impassable. His prisoners amounted to 2,000 or more. Many arms were captured. The One Hunderd and Fourth with the rest of Carlin's brigade was ordered at 2 p. m. to reinforce Hooker. Crossing Chattanooga Creek at the burnt rail road bridge they began climbing the mountain on the old Jackson trail. General Hooker awaited their arrival and the One Hundred and Fourth was ordered to take position around the Craven house and barn. The Kegiment was disposed for attack or defense by Colonel Hapeman. Up to 2 p. m. of the 25th, considerable firing was done, the casualties of the entire Brigade being 12 killed and 24 wounded, but our lines could not be dislodged and after that matters were quiet but the utmost vigilance was preserved until daylight. The camp fires on the mountain slopes were a joyful sight to the army in the valley, but how depressing must have been their effect on that cold night to the fleeing REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 173 soldiers of Bragg who spent the entire time in retreat ing from Lookout and marching to Bragg's right and center on Mission Kidge. • The "Battle above the clouds" had been the great event of the day and little had been done elsewhere except on the left. General Sherman had spent part of the night of the 23d, in crossing one brigade on .the pontoons over the Tennessee and by daylight had one division across and a rifle trench thrown up. The bridge was then laid under the direction of General Smith and completed by 11 o'clock. Two other divisions then marched over and were followed by a fourth, (General Davis,) of the Fourteenth Corps. General Howard with Buschbeck's brigade of Steinwehr's division had pre viously arrived by marching up the right bank. At 1 p. m. General Sherman's army began the advance toward Mission Ridge, General Morgan L. Smith's division on the left, General John E. Smith's in the center, General Ewing's with Buschbeck's bri gade attached, on the right, all moving en eclidou. They advanced about two and a half miles to the base and ascending cautiously seized the top of a hill near the tunnel, when for the first time there was a show of opposition. Skirmishing and one or two small attacks followed about 4, but the position was held and forti fied. It was now developed that Mission Ridge was not one continuous, unbroken line, but furrowed by depres sions into distinct summits. Through one of these depressions ran the railroad tunnel ; on a high hill above it on the north the rebel forces were placed behind earthworks. These must be swept away before Sher man could reach the tunnel or advance further south ward as his orders had contemplated. General Grant had the impression that the Ridge had been carried to the tunnel. During the night General Sherman was instructed "to attack at dawn." On the morning of the 25th, a heavy foghanging over the valley prevented early movements, but every prepa ration was made for the final struggle. Very early some soldiers of the Eighth Kentucky climbed to the topmost 174 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH pinnacle of Lookout and discovered that the enemy had gone. The sun rising over Mission kissed with its first ray*; the National Flag, which unfolding to the breeze 2,100 feet above the valley revealed to friend and foe alike, Hooker's victory. Under orders from Thomas, Hooker prepared to move across Chattanooga VaJley to Rossville, from whence to strike Bragg's left on the ridge. Owing to heavy fogs in the valjey and delay at Chattanooga Creek to build a bridge, Hooker did not start until 10. The One Hundred and Fourth moved down the mountain with the rest of the brigade about 9 a. m., and re-crossing the creek marched across the valley and rejoined the Second Brigade of Johnson's Division, forming on its right for the grand assault to be made on Mission Ridge. The entire rebel army was now concentrated on Bragg's last line of defense, extending from Rossville to Tunnel Hill in front of Sherman, a distance of six miles, but in heaviest force in the center, which was confronted by the Army of the Cumberland. General Hardee was in immediate command on the rebel right, General Breckinridge on the left. The divisions of Stevenson and Cheatham, or what remained of them after leaving Lookout, were moving to the right. The grand struggle was opened at early dawn by Sherman and lasted the entire day without his being- able to drive the rebels from their very strong positions though his troops that were engaged did splendid fight ing. It became evident to General Grant about 10 a. m., that Sherman was making no progress and would be unable, though having then five divisions on the line or within reach, to drive the rebel right as he had con templated, he therefore sent Howard's Corps to Sher man who placed it on his left, and renewed the attack, but met with a repulse to the brigades of General John E. Smith, which, however, was met by a counter charge and the enemy driven to cover by the brigades of Corse and Loomis. General Grant learning of this, then sent Baird's division of the Fourteenth Corps to his assistance, thus giving to Sherman seven of the REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 175 thirteen divisions of his army, and making it plain that at that hour, noon, he still adhered to his original plan of having Sherman do the main fighting while the rest of the army acted in support or as the emergencies of the battle should dictate. General Baird on arriving in Sherman's rear was informed that he could not be used and was not needed, so he countermarched to the left of Wood and formed in line there by half past two. The impression seems to have prevailed in the army and with Grant and Sherman, that the latter was fight ing immense numbers and heavy reinforcements sent from Bragg' s center on the ridge. Sherman in his report and "Memoirs," Vol. I., p. 377, says in speaking of mat ters as they stood at 3 p. in. : "Column after column was streaming toward me; gun after gun poured its concentric shot on us from every hill and spur that gave a view of any part of the ground held by us." Grant in his "Memoirs" says: "From the position I oc cupied, I could see column after column of Bragg's forces moving against Sherman." Also, in his report: "Discovering that the enemy in his desperation to de feat or resist the progress of Sherman, was weakening his center on Mission Ridge, determined me to order the advance (of Thomas) at once." A study of all the reports of the Confederate Gen erals, (vide Rebellion Records) shows that there was no weakening of Bragg's center at all in front of Thomas. The soldiers seen "streaming along the ridge" did not belong to the center. Neither was any artillery taken from the center. These reports state exactly what forces were on the right and those sent to rein force them. About 2 p. m. of the 24th, General Bragg having learned that Sherman was then approaching the ridge, at once sent General Cleburne with the three brigades of Smith, Lowrey, and Govan, from his posi tion one and a quarter miles south of the tunnel, to oppose him. He also had three batteries. These troops seized and occupied the ridge, or hills, which Sherman's men fought so hard to take that afternoon and nearly all of the following day, but without success. During 176 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH the night Cleburne fortified. At sunrise of the 25th, he was reinforced by Brown's Brigade of Stevenson's Division, and at 9 by Cummings' Brigade. There were no additional forces sent to Cleburue until about 2 p. m., when Maney's Brigade of Walker's Division, which lay three quarters of a mile south of the tunnel, and one small regiment of Stevenson's Division, were sent to the right. The aggregate of all these forces opposed to Sherman's six divisions we do not know, but it could not have been large, and it thus appears that there was an optical illusion and large imagination in the minds of Grant and Sherman about the immense numbers "streaming along Mission Ridge toward Sherman." These are historical facts and for this reason the writer, has devoted considerable time to the subject for the purpose of placing them on record as a true exposition of matters about which all the current histories have been misleading. During all the fighting by Sherman's troops, wrhich was severe, reflecting the highest credit on his soldiers, General Davis' Division of 7,000 men and all of Howard's Division, except one brigade, were not in action and the reasons therefor have never been given. General Sherman's loss was 250 killed, 1,310 wounded, and 317 missing. General Cleburne's loss, except in Maney's Brigade, was 59 killed, 334 wounded, and 30 missing. He also claims to have captured eight stands of colors and 300 prisoners. Between 12 and 1 p. m., General Sherman having failed to do the work intended for him, sent to ask Grant, "Where is Thomas?" It is needless to say that the "Rock of Chickamauga" was quietly waiting for General Grant to order his advance. Both were look ing for Hooker's forces to sweep up on the rebel left from Rossville, before Thomas should begin the assault on the center, but the time was drawing very near. Hooker had been delayed three hours to build a bridge and did not reach Rossville until about 2 in the after noon, when he immediately attacked the rebel forces on the ridge under Stewart, driving them before him in rout, Osterhaus' division alone capturing 2,000 REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 177 prisoners. Hooker also captured many arms, artillery, and supplies of all kinds at Eossville. He then moved on north toward Thomas, killing, wounding, or driving the enemy at all points where they opposed, until he reached Carlin's and Hapeman's position. The afternoon of the short November day was wear ing away. It having become evident to General Grant that Sherman could not advance further, and Hooker not having appeared, he decided that the time had come to attack in the center, and ordered Thomas to begin the assault at the sound of six suc cessive cannon shots from Orchard Knob. The divisions of Baird, Wood, Sheridan and Johnson, the latter con sisting of the First and Second Brigades only, were formed in the order named from left to right, having a battle front of two and a half miles. By brigades they were arranged as follows from right to left: Car- lin's and Stoughton's of Johnson's division; Sherman's, Barker's, and Wagner's, of Sheridan's; Hazen's, Wil- lich's, and General Sam. Beatty's of Wood's; Turchin's, Vanderveer's, and Phelps' of Baird's. This line con formed to the alignment of Wood's and Sheridan's divisions, which on the 23d had occupied the first line of rebel works in the plain between Fort Wood and the ridge. Strong lines of skirmishers were thrown out and there were reserves in the rear. The signal wras to be given at 3 p. m., but delays occurring, it was half past when the sullen boom of cannon repeated six times, stretched the nerves of that mighty force of 20,000 men to their utmost tension. Springing forward, the long lines of burnished arms, and the 150 standards waving over the lines of blue, were borne forward. One mile in advance were the heights five hundred feet high, defended by a desperate foe equal to or superior in numbers, and armed with every modern implement of destruction. As the line advanced sixteen batteries poured down on them their murderous contents. Not a man wavered, only the killed and wounded were left behind. General Grant's order to Thomas had directed Mm to take the rifle pits at the base of the ridge, and, 178 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH quoting from his report, "When carried to re-form his lines on the rifle pits with a view to carrying the top of the ridge." The One Hundred and Fourth, (of Carlin's Brigade) which formed the extreme > right of the assaulting columns, and commanded by Colonel Hapeman, moved forward with the rest of the line at the signal from Orchard Knob. On reaching an open cleared field beyond the timber, all pressed forward and captured the first line of works, the rebels in them swarming out and up the hill like so many bees. For the last half mile the Regiment was subjected to a terrific fire of artillery and musketry, during which Lieutenant Eoss, and Sergeant P. Talbot, both of Company B, were badly wTounded by a piece of shell; also five others of our brave boys were shot down by one volley. But the Regiment had executed the order of General Grant and stopped to rest as well as it could, under a murder ous fire from above. Not long did the men remain in the captured trenches, but charged on up the ridge from one line to another until they stood victorious on the summit. General Carlin says in his report (Reb. Rec., Vol. 31, Pt. 2, p. 464) : "In front of the left of my brigade was a rifle pit about half way up the ridge which was occupied by the enemy. After a few volleys they were driven from it and it was occupied by the Forty-second Indiana, One Hundred and Fourth Illinois, and Eighty- eighth Indiana. The steady valor of these regiments final ly drove the enemy from the ridge when my whole line ad vanced to the summit." (The italics are the writer's.) There had been nowhere on that long line any halt or hesitation until the rifle pits at the base of the ridge were occupied, which was done nearly simultaneously by the eighty-nine regiments at six different points. The rebels on the ridge had depressed the muzzles of their cannon, and where possible, were delivering an enfilad ing fire. This with their musketry was telling rapidly on our ranks in the rifle pits below. Stung to madness, knowing that it would be death to stay there; scorning retreat; and inspired by one common impulse, there REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 179 was suddenly an involuntary riiovemeiit begun along the entire front, up the ridge, which was very steep and covered with obstructions and small loose stones making the footing insecure. In from twenty minutes to half an hour, the Army of the Cumberland stood victorious on the heights. It was nearly 5 p. m., and Sherman still pounded away at the rebel right holding his positions of the morning, until darkness coming on, Hardee and Cleburne withdrew their gallant soldiers safely beyond the Chickamauga. The ridge having been carried and cleared in front, General Baird wheeling his troops to the left and leav ing ten or twelve pieces of the captured artillery to be gathered in by others, moved north along the crest, routing the division of Anderson, but was not so fortu nate when he came in contact with troops sent by Hardee from the right in front of Sherman. Here a desperate fight ensued which only ended by night coming on, when the enemy withdrew. General Sheri dan and one of Wood's brigades, pursued the enemy down the east slopes of the ridge a short distance, capturing prisoners and artillery, but it was too late for successful pursuit. The heavy fighting was over and the army went into bivouac on the ground it had won, and built its camp fires from mountain to valley. General Grant, mindful of Sherman, thus wrote him at the close of the battle: "No doubt you witnessed the splendid manner in which Thomas' troops carried Mission Ridge this afternoon, and can feel a just pride too, in the part taken by the forces under your command in taking first, so much of the same range of hills, and then in attracting the attention of so many of the enemy as to make Thomas' part certain of success." In view of the fact that Sherman attained the position he occupied with "no loss," as he says, and was opposed by very small forces as has been shown from official and undoubted authority, the sympathy of General Grant was timely. There is evidence to show that General Grant had not determined when the Army of the Cumberland 180 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH started for the ridge, whether to order them to go to the top or not. It is probable from what he did order arid from his own words heretofore quoted from his report, that he hoped the movement to the base of the ridge would so distract Bragg that he would call back enough troops from the right to enable Sherman to succeed there in breaking the rebel lines, and to advance south toward Thomas. This view would seem to be the true one after hearing what General J. S. Fullerton, Ad jutant General and Chief of Staff, of the Fourth Army Corps, says upon the subject. He was on Orchard Knob at the time and heard what he tells: "As soon as this movement (up the ridge) was seen from Orchard Knob, Grant turned quickly to Thomas, who stood by his side, and I heard him say angrily, "Thomas, who ordered those men up the ridge?' Thomas replied in his usual quiet manner: 'I don't know, I did not.' Then addressing General Gordon Granger, he said, 'Did you order them up, Granger?' 'No,' said Granger. 'They started up without orders; when those fellows get started all hell cannot stop them.' General Grant said something to the effect that somebody would suffer if it did not turn out well, and then turning, stoically watched the ridge. He gave no further orders." To show fully and further the most honorable and glorious part borne by the One Hundred and Fourth in the battles around Chattanooga, the writer will in troduce here several narratives of its members which give truthful -and vivid pictures of what each saw and experienced. 'George Marsh, First Sergeant of Company D, says: "We then descended Lookout and prepared to assault Mission Ridge, which is four or five miles long and five hundred feet high. We formed part of an immense line of battle in some woods at 3:45 p. m., when our General Carlin said to us: 'Boys, I don't want you to stop until we reach the top of that hill. Forward!' There was a mile or so of open flat ground to cross, where the rebels shelled us heavily, and where Lieutenant Ross REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 181 ami Sergeant Talbot were severely wounded by a shell. But they generally overshot us and the shells burst in our rear. General Carlin rode his horse to the foot of the ridge and then let him loose and scrambled up with the rest of us. At their breastworks half way up some of the rebels surrendered and others ran to the top. At this point Lieutenant Orrin S. Davidson of Company H was mortally wounded. He said, 'Go on, boys, and take the hill and attend to me afterward.' He was very pale. We then made a grand rush and killed, wounded, and stampeded the rebels in front of us on top, and the field was ours — at 4:30. Anson S. Smith was severely wounded in the foot. Color Ser geant W. H. II. Hutton, while bearing the flag, wras hit in the breast by a ball, and Corporal Lemuel F. Holland, seizing the colors bore them to the top very bravely, and was the first one up. Everyone tried desperately to get to the top and did not look around much except at the middle breastworks where the panorama of battle was a magnificent sight. The rebels came into our lines by hundreds. I threw my blanket down once as I was getting very tired, not having en tirely recovered from my wound, but as it was likely to be cold at night and I was w^et from crossing a little stream, I picked it up again. As we fired at the re treating rebels we aimed for an officer on a white horse; the prisoners said this person was General Bragg." Colonel Douglas Ilapeman in his report, vide Reb. Rec. Vol. 31, Pt. 2, p. 467, says: "The officers and men behaved gallantly. I would especially notice Color Sergeant Win. H. H. Hutton, of Company D, who wras wounded, and Corporal L. F. Holland, Company D, who carried the colors safely to the top of the hills, the first colors of the first brigade planted on the enemy's works." It was stated at the time by a correspondent of the Nashville Press, that the fiag of the One Hundred and Fourth was the first one of the line planted on Mission Ridge. But the ridge being assaulted at six different points, after the troops had arrived near the top, and 182 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH being hidden from an unobstructed view either above or below, this may not have been so. Nevertheless, if not the first, it was one of them, and there were certainly honors enough to go round. William M. Wilson of Company E, says of the charge up the ridge: "I was with the Regiment at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, and will give an incident that occurred. In the second rifle pits where we stopped to rest, the rebels bothered our right particu larly by their shooting, and one rebel sharpshooter could not be got at, after many trials, so one of the boys said that any one who could shoot left handed would fetch him. William A. Kain, of our Company, being- left handed, drew a bead on the rebel and 'silenced that Johnny so that he did not bother us any more.' 7 Will Kain was soon after killed by a shot in the neck. Most of the old members will remember the jovial and brave Kain with his dark hazel eye and pleasant ad dress, possessing courage and coolness, united with an uncommonly kind heart. Marshall Bagwill of Company G says of the assault on Mission Ridge: "The last charge at Mission Ridge was my last, being wounded in the right shoulder and left knee at their last works. A rebel raised up twenty feet from me and sent a ball through my hat rim, a roll of blankets and the shoulders. His next three shots lodged in the blankets. He then threw down his gun and surrendered. I was mad and about to use my bayonet with my left hand, when a ball took me in the knee and I wilted." Henry Winterscheidt of Company B says: "When the word 'Forward' was given, the army moved slowly out of the timber into the open ground. It all looked like a grand dress parade, but in a short time the top of the hill became lively. All the batteries there belched forth grape and canister, and every other kind of missile. Soon the whole of the long ridge was en veloped in smoke, and then as we advanced, the infantry at the foot of the hill opened fire on us. One short rest to catch breath and we went at them with a Yankee REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 183 shout and a rush; the rebels had to give way and they went pell mell into their works half way up the hill. Our flag bearer had been shot, also the flag bearer of the Eighty-eighth Indiana; some one shouted, 'Pick up that flag, pick up that flag!' After another short rest the bugle sounded again. Major Widmer and Colonel Hapeman shouted, 'I want the One Hundred and Fourth to be the first regiment on that hill/ Holland taking his hat in one hand and the flag in the other sang loudly, 'Rally round the flag, boys, rally round the flag.' The boys formed around the colors and up the ridge we went. The rebel officers could be seen swinging their swords and doing their best to keep their men in line, but all in vain. They called out, 'Bull Kim !' We replied, 'Chickamauga !' Our men were de termined ; the rebels had to go. The Regiment captured scores of prisoners. When the sun went down behind Lookout the banners of the Army of the Cumberland waved victorious over Mission Ridge and Bragg's army was in hasty retreat." William H. Conard, of Company E, giAres the follow ing interesting account of that stirring period between Chickamauga and the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge: "From the 21st of September, 1863, the day of retreat from Chickamauga, up to the 23d of November, our time had been taken up in digging rifle pits, building forts and doing picket duty, the latter being no small duty, as the details were so large that the whole army would come on about every eight days. "We were liable to have a brush with the Johnnies at any time, our lines were so close. Our Regiment was on picket the 20th and 21st of November. This every man of the Regiment will remember, as it was chilly and rainy, and we went out without anything to eat. On our return to camp I went to a mule commissary and offered him 75 cents, all the money I had, for one ear of corn, but was refused. But the mules were be tween me and the camp, and they had just been fed, and before I got to camp one mule was minus three 184 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH ears of corn, and I had the benefit of it at the mule's expense. This will illustrate the state of our stomachs at that time. Our position was on the extreme right of the old Cumerland Army, touching the Tennessee River below Chattanooga. "Toward evening of the 23d we were ordered into line and took our positions to the right and left of Fort Negley, and laid on our arms that night, but did not sleep much, as there was a good deal of shelling going on most of the night. The morning of the 24th opened up a little rainy but soon cleared away. At noon the enemy could be seen moving to our left, along the crest of Mission Ridge. Soon we could hear the sound of battle over in Lookout Valley, and about noon, above the misty clouds, we could see a line of men wavering, and soon another pressing them close. This latter line was 'Fighting Joe Hooker's' men and Osterhaus' Di vision of Sherman's Fifteenth Corps. Until 2 o'clock we had listened to and watched the battle to our right, then Carlin's brigade, to which our Regiment belonged, was ordered to reinforce Hooker on Lookout Mountain. We had some difficulty in getting across Chattanooga Creek as it is quite deep near the mountain, and we had to be ferried over. However, we were soon across and well up the mountain side. Just where we crossed the old Jackson trail that winds around the mountain, stood old fighting Joe beside his gray charger waiting for us. Our General (Carlin) received his orders, and we at once relieved Geary's men and continued the battle until after midnight, and then laid on our arms, our Regiment occupying the garden of the White, or Craven, House. One historian has said that 'Carlin's battle, after darkness had set- in, as viewed from the town below, was one of the most interesting sights of the war.' It was a grand sight for us as we looked down from our elevation of 1,800 feet to the town below, and traced our lines by the camp fires as they stretched away across the valley, and up the river for seven miles. At 9 o'clock of the 25th we commenced to move toward Mission Ridge, recrossing Chattanooga Creek and REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 185 joining our own division to the right and front of Orchard Knob. We had hardly time to make our coffee when the 'Fall in' was called for the assault on Mis sion Eidge. It must have been one mile from where we began to move in line to the first rifle pits, from this line to the last one on top of the ridge about seventy rods, there being five lines in all, directly in front of us. The ground was cleared, and as far as we could see from right to left, our lines were perfect, until we came in range of the enemy's fire, when our General(Carlin) who was in the lead, gave the order, 'Double quick!' Ours was a running fire until the first works were taken. From there on our progress was slower, as the ground was rough and the rifle pits close together. Our hardest fighting was between the third and fourth lines. At this point our loss was considerable. But very few rebels got away from the third line. Those who attempted to run were mostly killed or wounded. One poor wounded rebel lay just in my line of march; I can never forget the look of despair depicted on his countenance as he lay there begging us not to kill him. I stopped and gave him a drink of water from my canteen. How his countenance changed! He had tried to get awray, as he said that his officers had told them that if they fell into our hands we would kill them. Shame on the soldier who would do such a cowardly act! While our lines were re-forming on tne crest of the ridge, an officer and staff:' galloped diagonally across our front; we raised our guns to fire, but our officers ordered us not to fire; they said it was General Hooker, but it proved to be General Bragg. He also rode a white horse that day. Barnes, in his brief history of the United States, page 247, says of the charge of Mission Eidge: 'Up they went, over rocks and chasms, all lines broken, the flags far ahead, each surrounded by a group of the bravest; without firing a shot, and heedless of the tempest hurled upon them, they surmounted the crest.' If Mr. Barnes had been on the ridge with the Johnnies he would have been aware that there were some shots fired. 186 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH "In regard to the first flag planted on the ridge by our forces, I quote the army correspondent of the 'Nashville Press/ which I clipped from that paper a short time after the battle: 'The honor of first plant ing the National flag on Mission Ridge belongs to the One Hundred and Fourth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, First Brigade, First Division. This Regi ment charged over five distinct lines of the enemy's works, driving their sharpshooters before them and planting their flag on the enemy's works on the summit of the ridge in advance of others.' We bivouacked that night on the ridge, and I enjoyed the best rest that I had had since we had been besieged in Chattanooga, as I had the privilege of sleeping under a rebel's quilt, one that was large enough to cover six of us. I had not slept under a blanket since we left Stevenson, Alabama, on the 1st day of September, when we piled our knap sacks and stripped ourselves for hard marching and fighting." Charles G. Phillips, of Company D, says in regard to the events of the 23d, 24th and 25th (compiled from his letters written home at the time) : "November 23d was a stirring day in Chattanooga. It was cold and looked like rain. In the forenoon there was nothing going on and the boys were hunting around for something to eat,for we were on one-fourth rations. At 2 p. m. the bugle blew the assembly and the One Hundred and Fourth took its place on the left of the brigade, then we lay in line of battle all night without fires. We did not sleep much and about 3 a. m. of the 24th we moved east of Fort Negley. At daylight it began raining and we built some fires. About 12 we saw Hooker's men driving the rebel lines around the point of Lookout and cheers were heard on all parts of our lines. Then at 2 we were ordered to march and reinforce Hooker. We reached the foot of the mountain at sundown and at 10 reached the Craven House, when not long after the rebels made a sortie on our Brigade but were repulsed. The firing continued until 2 a. m. of the 25th, when all became quiet and we were allowed REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 187 to lie down. In the morning many rebel deserters came in and said they were tired of the war. The Stars and Stripes were thrown to the breeze from the top of Lookout about 8, amidst immense cheering. At 9 we marched back to Chattanooga and to our position about a mile from Mission Eidge and formed in line for the assault. We then stacked arms and waited for the order to advance. About 4 p. in. the order came and the Regiment started going through some timbered land for half a mile, when we had to cross an open field, which we did on the double quick for the rebels were shelling us from the ridge. At the foot of the ridge was a line of works wrhich'we rushed for and got in, the rebels rushing out and up the ridge. They had three other lines and w^ere firing* at us lively, and those linos had to be taken. Could it be done? Yes; the command wras, 'Forward, One Hundred and Fourth!' The men jumped to their feet and over the earth- works and charged for the next line, which was full of rebels firing at us as fast as they could, but when we got pretty near they left and scrambled for the top of the ridge. We had a good chance to shoot at them, which we did. When we reached the rifle pits midway up, we were all tired out and a halt was made to rest, but we kept shooting whenever wre could see a rebel to shoot at, and they likewise sent the balls thick and fast over our heads and among us, but we had become used to them. After a rest of about five minutes, the orders were, 'Forward ! Drive them from the top P With a shout the men sprang over the works and began climbing, yelling as we went, at the top of our voices, and shoot ing as fast as we could load and fire, no one knowing but what he might be the next one to fall. When we arrived at the top the rebels broke and ran and we after them. Our flag wras the first planted on the ridge and there was joy, shouting and handshaking with each other. That was a happy meeting, to know that the Stars and Stripes waved over Lookout and Mission Eidge again. There was some more firing, but the rebels had run off and it was almost night,so we were THE ONE HU NDRED AND FOURTH told to go into camp there. The night was very cold, but we had good fires and slept soundly." The loss of the One Hundred and Fourth at Mission Eidge was as follows: Killed— Adelbert S. Hannun, Company B; Isaac A. Foot, Company C; William A. Kain, Campany E; Charles M. Moore, Company H. Henry C. Douglas, Company I. Total, 5. Mortally Wounded — Lieutenant Orrin S. Davidson, Company H; David C. Griffith, Company A; Stephen J. Shelton, Company B; Samuel N. Trenary, Company F. Total, 4. Wounded — Lieutenant William C. Ross, Company B; Sergeant Philander Talbot, Company B; Sergeant W. H. H. Hutton, Company D ; Sergeant Samuel Lynn, Company C; Anson S. Smith, Company D; Joshua Wil son, Company B; William Wilkinson, Company E; William Gottman, Company F; Isaac W. Gatchell, Company F; Marshall Bagwill, Company G; William M. Jones, Company G; Charles B. Cook, Company G; George W. Hammett, Company H; Edgar W. Mosher, Company H; James J. Traver, Company I; Charles Ruger, Company E ; John Coyne, Company I. Total, 17. Total killed and wounded, 26; which was large in proportion to the actual size of the Regiment. The loss in the Brigade, consisting of nine regiments, at Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge, including one killed at Graysville the next day, was 25 killed, 1'>I wounded. Its capture of nan with arms in hand, 300. The Division lost in killed and wounded, from the two brigads, a total of 304. Its captur of prisonrs was 1,165, of cannon 4, besides arms, etc. The entire rebel losses in the two battles, including the fight at Ring- gold on the 27th, according to their reports, were: Killed, 361; wounded, 2,180; missing, 4,146; total, 6,667 Our losses were: Killed, 753; wounded, 4,722; missing, 349; total, 5,824. Grand total on both sides, 12,491. We captured .forty pieces of artillery, many thousands of small arms, ammunition, wagons, supplies, etc. Important as were the results flowing from the bat tles of Lookout Mountain and Mission Ridge; glorious REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 189 as was the record of the gallant troops engaged therein, reflecting imperishable honor on American valor, yet not all was accomplished that General Grant had expected and deesired. His plans contemplated the entire destruction or capture of General Bragg's army, and this would have been accomplished had not sev eral circumstances contributed to defeat that result. Over one of these at least General Grant had no con trol. The first was the heavy fog in Chattanooga Val ley on the morning of the 25th, and the necessary delay of Hooker by it, and also by bridge burning, which pre vented his attacking the rebel left until nearly three p. m., and in consequence of which, perhaps, Thomas was withheld so long. The other circumstance was Sherman's failure to break the rebel right at the tun nel. Had General Grant himself been present with Sherman, he might have ordered other movements to be made by General Davis' big division and those of Howard, which would have changed the aspect of affairs on that flank. But General Grant could now relieve Burnside, and on the night of the 25th issued orders to Generals Granger and Sherman accordingly, while the pursuit of Bragg w^as begun during the night and early on the 26th, by General Hooker and General Palmer, the latter then commanding the Fourteenth €orps. The One Hundred and Fourth moved early on the morning of the 26th with the brigade toward Grays- ville, in pursuit of the enemy and overtook them after dark near that place, but they were in no mood for fighting and hurried across Chickamauga Creek by wading waist deep in the icy cold water and escaped, leaving, however, in our hands, a fine Napoleon gun and other material. Some fifty prisoners were also cap tured. The command then went into bivouac. The One Hundred and Fourth had started on this inarch wholly unprepared except in the matter of ammuni tion, of which each man carried one hundred rounds. They were also supposed to have rations for four days, but these were not full ones. Colonel Hapeman says 190 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH in his report: "A number of the men had no shirts, their shoes were worn out, clothing all poor, and none of them had overcoats." There was consequently much suffering, but they cheerfully endured all. The march was resumed on the 27th, and many prisoners taken on the way. On approaching Ringgold the sound of. Hooker's guns was heard. The enemy had made a stand on Taylor's Kidge, and Osterhaus was engaged. The One Hundred and Fourth was placed on the left of his line and two companies of skirmishers thrown forward, who advanced to the top, but the enemy, attacked everywhere, withdrew. The Regiment then remained in line of battle until night, when it was detailed for picket duty on the left flank of the brigade. The 28th set in with both rain and snow, making things very unpleasant for the Regiment, wMch was on picket until four p. m. before relieved. It then bivouacked near the ridge until eleven a. m. of the 29th, when the march was begun for Chattanooga. This proved to be one of the most trying ever made, and on arriving there at seven in the evening, the men were nearly exhausted from cold, hunger and privation; some had their feet frozen on this return march. George Marsh speaks of Wm. P. Newcomb shooting a goat while away, for food, and naively says: "But it did not taste very good, too strong!" However that may have been, it is far preferable as an article of diet, to crow. Charles G- Phillips remarks very honestly: "On arriving at Chattanooga after dark, we were all used up, hungry, tired and cold, and glad that we had got home." In the Ringgold affair Hooker lost 65 killed and 377 wounded. The enemy left 130 dead on the field. Number of wounded not known; 230 prisoners were taken. Further offensive operations were soon after suspended and the main part of the army with drawn to Chattanooga, where it went into winter quar ters. General Sherman's troops also returned from Knoxville, Longstreet having raised the siege and retreated. A period of rest and recuperation was ren dered necessary before beginning the next campaign REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 191 into that inner South of which Chattanooga was the natural entrance and had been so regarded for nearly two years, and hence the battles and campaigns fought and conducted with so much perseverance and fierce ness on both sides. The Southern people were again surprised and shocked, but probably not more so than General Bragg, who, withdrawing his army to Dalton, was soon after relieved from command at his own request and succeeded by General Hardee, who a little later was superseded by General J. E. Johnston. Gen eral Bragg in his report says : "No satisfactory excuse can possibly be given for the shameful conduct of our troops on his left in allowing their line to be pene trated. The position was one which ought to have been held by a line of skirmishers against any assault ing column." (Vide Reb. Rec., Vol. 31, Ft. 2, p. 666.) But General Bragg, however, had failed to recognize a certain element that was one of the factors, and a powerful one, too, in these battles. That factor was the moral forces at work in the minds of his soldiers. The irresistible and fierce charges of Hooker's men on Lookout Mountain gave them a dim foreboding of what was to follow. The impressions made on the plains of Chattanooga by the splendid and powerful array of our armies, accompanied by the pomp and panoply of glorious war when the first advance was made by Wood and Sheridan, were well calculated to weaken their confidence in themselves. And when as a finale they looked down upon the miles of glittering arms, the hundreds of waving standards and flags, bore to the assault by Thomas' advancing legions, there was a moral force about it that could not fail of its effect. They knew that those men would carry the heights, and the courage of thousands failed, who on other fields had proven their valor. CHAPTER XIII. The Flanking- of Dalton — Advance to the Etowah — Battles of Re- saca and New Hope Church — Seizure of Allatoona. At the termination of the battles and campaign around Chattanooga the One Hundred and Fourth enjoyed a period of rest from fighting and again set tled down to the duties of camp life. On December 1st the army passed in review before General Grant, and it was a proud occasion for the heroes of many bat tles. During the month the Regiment was employed on the new water-works or reservoir, projected and built on Cameron Hill. When finished the water was pumped into it from the Tennessee by using the motive power of an old flour mill which stood on the bank of the river. Pipes were run from the reservoir to the Government buildings in the town. This enterprise proved to be a great blessing to Chattanooga and was in use until a few years ago. The repairs on the rail road not being completed there was a scarcity of rations to feed the army until the middle of January. Christ mas and New Year's proved to be dull in many respects, notably by the absence of luxuries from the dinner- tables of the soldiers. W. H. Conard notes, however, that "We had cow tail soup for dinner." Sherman Leland says, "Our dinner consisted of coffee and Lin coln platforms" (crackers). But on January 13th a change came, produced by the arrival of the first "Cracker" train over the railroad, and this was soon followed by five others. Their arrival was greeted by shouts of joy from the army that had been reduced many times to the very verge of starvation and had endured suffering for months, besides fighting two bat tles on empty stomachs. The One Hundred and Fourth had become consid- REGIMfiNT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 193 * erably reduced by battles and disease. The wounded were in hospitals or had been sent home to recover. Some, also, were so fortunate as to be granted fur loughs to go home. Lieutenants Porter and Ross, of Company B, both being wounded (the former losing his left arm at Chickamauga), Lieutenant Clark com manded Company B for a time. "Bill" Ross, afterward Captain of Company B, was a man not likely to be for gotten by any one who ever met him or had occasion to run against his six feet three or four inches of cor- porosity and listened to the dulcet tones of his per suasive voice when things did not go to suit him. E. F. Mallory, of Company I, sends the writer the follow ing incident about our friend William, so characteristic of him that it seems appropriate to introduce it here. He says: "If you were with us after the surrender at Hartsville, you may have noticed, as I and others did, that Orderly Sergeant Ross, with cane in hand, went limping along with a bandage on his leg. This was a blind he used to keep his body warm, that is, to keep the rebels from stealing his overcoat. The ruse suc ceeded. After the battle of Mission Ridge, while I was sick in Nashville and walking out one day, whom should I meet but Lieutenant Ross, with cane in hand and the same old limp. I thought at once of Hartsville and it seemed so natural and comical that I began laughing, for which I asked to be excused as it reminded me of the Hartsville limp. 'Yes,' says he, 'but the curious part of it is that this time it is genuine, and the wound is right where I had the bandage then. Say, Rastus, was it a judgment from Heaven?' I have often thought 0f the occurrence since." About the 10th of January Captain Collins was detailed to take charge of and command all the ambulance and medical trains of the Fourteenth Corps, and thereupon Lieutenant Clark assumed command of Company D. On the 16th, Captain Ludington, of Company H, senior captain, resigned. On January 22d the One Hundred and Fourth moved camp about two miles over to the east side of town beyond Fort Wood and near Citico Creek. George Marsh, writ- i 184 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH ing on February 7th, says: "One of the big brick ware houses full of army supplies burned down last night. The boys have just received enough socks and mittens from the ladies of La Salle county to last them six months. Lieutenant M. Osman, Sergeant-Major Q. D. Whitman, Sergeant W. Misner, of Company G; Corporal L. F. Holland, of Company D, and Corporal S. A. Signor,, of Company C, have gone home on recruiting service and to see their families." As the army was short of mules and horses owing to the awful mortality during the siege, a new supply became necessary before any new movements could be inaugurated, and on February llth the One Hundred and Fourth was sent to Nashville to bring forward all that could be obtained. This excursion was agreeable to the boys, as it was a break into the monotony of the last two months, and gave them an opportunity to see our wounded in Nashville hospitals, and to enjoy the sights of the capital, where they had formerly spent some pleasant weeks. On arrival the Regiment was quartered in Barracks No. 3, Broad street, but on the 15th moved to Gun Factory. Captain Leighton, of Company A, who was then in Nashville still suffering from his wound, says, "The One Hundred and Fourth are here and having a good time catching and breaking mules and enjoying their holiday by attending the va rious places of amusement, principally the theater where J. W. Booth is now playing, many of course attending church on Sunday. The mules are mostly young and wilder than a Comanche Indian. The process of catch ing them is fun for the boys, but quite the contrary for the poor muley. They throw a rope over his head and dragging him out of the drove, one seizes him by the ears and throws him down when he is held until bridled and harnessed, then being let up, muley rebels, refuses to move, but is put in motion, not by moral suasion, but by a liberal application of blacksnake." Having by March 3d secured one thousand mules, two hundred horses and eighty wagons, the Regiment started about noon for the front and going four miles went into camp.. REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 195- The following "itinerary" of the journey was given to the writer by Sherman Leland "March 4th. Broke camp at eight a. m. Thirty non-comniissioned officers commanded by 'Major Widmer, acted as advance guard. Halted at La Vergne for dinner, then moved on and camped for the night at Stewart's Greek near a large brick house. "March 5th. Leaving camp early we made twenty- two miles on the Shelbyville Road and camped. "March 6th. Started early and passed through Shelbyville, a very lovely place. Having made twenty miles we camped at night on Thompson's Creek.. "March 7th. Starting at eight we reached Tulla- homa at eleven, where we got dinner, loaded forage, and then pushed on to the Elk River, where we went into camp during a hard storm near a graveyard. "March 8th. We remained in camp to-day waiting for teams that were behind, stuck in the mud. "March 9th. All of the teams having come up we started at eight and crossing the Elk reached Cowan soon after n^oon. The Regimental Postmaster joined us here with a good supply of letters. Going on a few miles we camped on a creek at the foot of the moun tains. There wrere fish in the creek, but they failed to bite. "March 10th. During the night it rained very hard, but we began to ascend the Cumberlands and by the route followed when we set out on the Chickamauga campaign. The road proved to be most horrible, but we made Tantallon and bivouacked. "March llth. The creeks wrere much swollen, but managing to get our stock across we moved on, and in some places had to swim the animals. My horse- stumbling I received a good ducking. Camped to-night at Anderson's. "March 12th. We moved on down the valley and passing through Stevenson, camped two miles beyond. We were now getting nearer the front. "March 13th. Setting out at seven a. m. for Bridge port, Ala., we soon met a man who was decrepit from 196 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH age and hardship and was then on his way home after an imprisonment of seven months in Libby. He had been incarcerated because a Unionist. We crossed the Tennessee at Bridgeport and went into camp near Hog Jaw Valley, where we stationed a strong picket, it now being necessary to guard our lines well. "March 14th. Starting early we arrived at White- sides at three p. m. In passing the 'Narrows' we had some difficulty, as for a mile there was just room be tween the mountains and the river for the rail and wagon roads. I here took advantage of the opportunity to visit the famous Nick-a-Jack cave, where the rebels had saltpetre works. This is a great naturalfcuriosity, said to run back under Sand Mountain for miles. A creek of the purest water runs from it; beautiful in crustations fresco the roof. "On the 15th the cavalcade moved on, and passing by the old road around and over the north end of Lookout, went on through Chattanooga and into camp two miles from Mission Ridge. Here we remained until the 17th, meantime turning over our stock in good order, and collecting the baggage left behind. The trip of five weeks had been a successful one and was enjoyed by all. WTe found the weather warm and peach and other trees had been in bloom for two weeks." During the absence of the One Hundred and Fourth vast preparations had been in progress looking to the spring campaign against the rebel army, then com manded by General Joseph E. Johnston, which lay intrenched at Dalton and Rocky Face Ridge, ready to dispute the passage of the Union armies into Georgia. In March General Sherman had been designated by General Grant as the Commander of the Military Division of the Mississippi, the latter having been made the General-in-Chief of all the armies of the United States. About March 25th General Sherman, accompanied by General McPherson, repaired to Chat tanooga to confer with General Thomas and arrange the plans of campaign. Strong reconnoissances made in February by several divisions of the Fourteenth REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 197 Corps in the direction of Dalton had developed the fact that the enemy were in heavy force at Buzzard's Roost of Rocky Face, and at other points. After some fight ing, with a loss of several hundred men, it was deter mined that all attempts to dislodge the rebels then would be futile. Therefore the troops were posted in good positions to await further developments. Two • brigades of Johnson's Division were placed at Tyner's Station on the Knoxville Railroad, nine miles from Chattanooga, and the third at Graysville with a force at Parker's Gap. On the 17th the One Hundred and Fourth rejoined Johnson's Division at Tyner's, and on the 19th marched to Graysville. Leland says : "We camped on the edge of a beautiful grove of young pines. Jhe tents were pitched in regular order and the boys, fearing we would remain some time, beautified their quarters. Trees were set out, grounds cleared and an evergreen stand built for the band boys. General Palmer, Commander of the Fourteenth Corps, came along and complimented us on having the most orderly and prettiest camp in the Department." The One Hundred and Fourth remained at Graysville engaged in heavy picket duty and in preparing for the advance soon to be made. One-half of the Regiment was often on picket. A number of recruits had joined the Regiment, but there were less than three hundred men in all, including the old members who had returned. Captain Leighton arrived on the 8th, but his wound still troubled him very much. He was, however, anxious to be with his Company, which had twenty-seven men for duty. On the 27th of April marching orders came and also orders to have twenty days' rations ready; all baggage was to be sent to Chattanooga. General Sherman, on assuming the command, had set about reorganizing his armies and making every preparation for the long and remarkable campaign to follow. He had the three armies of the Cumberland, the Tennessee and the Ohio, commanded respectively by Generals Thomas, McPherson and Schofield, from i 198 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH which to select his grand army of invasion. He pro posed to take 50,000 men of the first, 35,000 of the sec ond and 15,000 of the third, total 100,000, and mobilize them by banishing wagons, tents, baggage, and every thing not absolutely necessary. Each regiment was allowed but one wagon and one ambulance. Each sol dier and officer was required to carry on his person his clothing and five days' rations. A mule or pack horse was allowed to the officers of each company. Tents were to be taken for the sick and wounded only, except that each headquarters was allowed a tent. General Sherman and his Staff proposed to use tent flies only. These could be spread over fence rails, poles, etc. General Thomas, however, did not obey the. order but had his regjilar tents, and Sherman says that the boys called his establishment "Thomas' Circus." When May 2d arrived, which time had been set by Grant for a general and united movement of all the armies of the Union against the hosts of the rebellion, General Sherman's army mustered .as follows: Army of the Cumberland, 60,773 men; Army of the Tennessee, 24,465 men; Army of the Ohio, 13,555 men; grand aggregate, 98,797 men; artillery, 254 guns. This powerful array was to be further increased soon by cavalry divisions not yet attached. In addition, General Frank P. Blair, with two divisions, constituting the Seventeenth Army Corps, joined Sherman on June 9th at Ackworth and Big Shanty, Ga. To oppose this powerful aggregation General John ston had on May 1st, as per his report, (vide Eeb. Tiec., Vol. 38, Pt. 3, p." 614), 40,900 infantry and artillery, and about 4,000 cavalry. But by June 1st his army had been increased to nearly 60,000 men. He had in his favor also the advantage of choosing his positions, which were fortified in advance by thousands of slaves. The natural defenses of the country were formidable in character and made every mountain, hill and valley, as well as rivers and streams, a source of strength. His army would increase constantly, while as Sherman moved further away he must lose besides losses in REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 199 battle, many thousands, detached to hold his lines to the rear and defend the conquered territory. These conditions balanced much of the difference in size of the two armies. ' Captain Leighton, writing on the 29th of April, says: "We are still at Graysville. My wound is troublesome. I am getting used to the old rations and camp life again. Things are pleasant in the Regiment, the men are healthy and in fine spirits. Our camp is situated four miles from our picket lines, which are south of Taylor's Kidge. From the picket station on top of the ridge we can see both lines of pickets. There is a half mile of neutral ground. The pickets exchange compliments every day or two, and have tried several times to drive our men from the picket station, but failed. This morning at seven they began the exercise again, but without avail, as six regiments were sent out. Ours, however, was not ordered forward — one-half of it being already on the picket line. Many prisoners were brought in. On account of my wound Colonel Hapemau assigned me to light duty." Writing on May 1st, Captain Leighton says: "We received orders at twelve last night that reveille would sound at four a. in. and to have the men up and two days' rations in haversacks prepared, all ready to march at six. So immediately after the bugle sounded the camps were astir, knapsacks and haversacks packed, and all provided with plenty of cartridges, as it was not desirable to start without plenty of these in case of need. By six the camp became quiet, an indication that all was ready. Then followed a period of sus pense, and when this had produced impatience, Joe, our bugler, was called for to blow his horn, but seven and eight o'clock arrived and no assembly sounded. At nine an orderly rode up with an order countermand ing the inarch. In five minutes one would not have supposed that the camp had been disturbed. During the day an order was received directing that all bag gage and surplus tents be sent to the rear and to take .nothing but what we could carry on our persons. 200 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH Rumors to-day that the Fifteenth and Twentieth Corps; have begun the advance." On the 3d the One Hundred and Fourth marched with the Brigade to Ringgold and camped at the foot of Taylor's Ridge. On the 5th it went to Parker's Gap, returning to Ringgold on the (>th. Sherman Lelaud says: "This evening was one long to be remembered, orders being received that the entire army would ad vance to-morrow against the enemy. Soon after dark bonfires were lighted, all tents were illuminated, and cheers rang from one end of the army to the other. Miles away down the valley the cheering commenced, and rolling along like the reverberations of thunder, went from one end of the valley to the other, then turned and, seemingly louder than before, passed back. Mixed with the noise was the firing of wet powder into the air from the muskets, producing miniature fire works. The celebration was kept up for two hours, when the tumult subsided and naught save a fire here and there indicated that an army of 100,000 men re posed in that valley." On the morning of May 7th Sherman's armies were in motion against the enemy. The Fourteenth Army Corps, with the Twentieth (Hooker's) on the right, and the Fourth (Howard's) on the left, advanced to Tunnel Hill and drove out the small force of rebels there, who fell back to the strong position of Rocky Face, which with its gorge called Buzzard's Roost, also "Mill Creek Gap," was strongly fortified by nature and art. In this movement the One Hundred and Fourth, then number ing, as per Coloned Hapeman's report, 279 enlisted men and 17 officers, participated, and occupied that night the camp of the Tenth Confederate Cavalry of Wheeler's command. The still smoldering fires and forage scat tered around showed that the enemy had left in a hurry. The position of Buzzard's Roost being almost impreg nable to attack in front, Sherman proposed to turn it by sending McPherson with the Army of the Ten nessee through Snake Creek Gap on the right and striking the rebel rear endanger his position at Dal- REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 201 ton. Therefore to carry out this plan, McPherson began the movement, while to cover the real design,, the Fourteenth Corps was to demonstrate heavily in front of Buzzard's Roost as if intending to carry it. On the 8th the One Hundred and Fourth, marching witk Carlin's Brigade, took position on some hills half a mile southwest of Buzzard's Roost, and after moving once or twice, camped for the night. The 9th was ushered in by advances in force of several divisions of the Fourth Corps, and the enemy pressed back into their lines. General Geary made an attempt to scale Chattooga Mountain, but met with resistance and it was aban doned. His loss was considerable. The One Hun dred and Fourth and Eighty-eighth Indiana, which, with the Brigade, was ordered across Mill Creek, took position on a spur overlooking the enemy's works in the Gap and was engaged in liA^ely skirmishing most of the day, but the Regiment lost no men. The rest of the Brigade, also engaged, met Avith a slight loss. McPherson's army entered and passed through Snake Creek Gap on the 9th, and greatly surprised Johnston, but finding Resaca fortified and manned, and afraid of being attacked from Dalton, McPherson withdrew to the mouth of the Gap and threw up works. General Sherman claims that here the Commander of the A^my of the Tennessee made a mistake in not seizing Resaca, which, when he arrived near it, was occupied by only one brigade of the enemy. Or he could have placed his army across the railroad and Johnston's line of communications and have forced him to retreat in disorder over roads almost impassable, and with Thomas and Schofield close behind, he would have lost half his army, artillery and wagons. By night of the 9th it was too late, as Hood, with three divisions, occu pied Resaca. General Sherman, on learning the result, resolved to throw his whole army through Snake Creek Gap. During the 10th the One Hundred and Fourth occu pied the same position as on the previous day, and was skirmishing more or less heavily all the time. On the 202 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH llth it was relieved after having been under fire for forty hours continuously, and recrossing Mill Creek, camped for the night on some hills. Orders having been issued by General Sherman for Howard's Corps (the Fourth) and Stoneman's Cavalry to remain before Buzzard's Roost, the rest of the army was directed to march through Snake Creek Gap, which it did on the 12th and 13th, and concentrated around Resaca, McPherson on the right, Thomas in the cen ter, and Schofield on the left. General Johnston was found to have withdrawn his army within the very extensive and strong works, his policy evidently being to act on the defensive entirely, thus leaving General Sherman the alternative of attacking his almost im pregnable positions and sacrificing thousands of val uable lives, or of continuing his grand .strategic flank movements which would of necessity compel Johnston to retreat or have his communications cut off, when disaster would be sure to follow whether his army fought within the intrenchments or outside. General Sherman also had an idea that he would yet be able to take Johnston unawares, as McPherson did him at Snake Creek Gap, and achieve a victory without too much sacrifice of lives. The One Hundred and Fourth, leaving camp on the 12th at six a. m., reached the Gap at dark and march ing through camped in Sugar Valley, one mile east of the debouche. On the 13th the Regiment took an active part in the day's operations and not without loss. Colonel Hapeman says in his report: "The line of the Brigade was formed about noon, the Regiment in the first line, with the Eighty-eighth Indiana on the right and the Fifteenth Kentucky on the left. Com panies A and K were deployed as skirmishers, Major Widmer in charge. They advanced a considerable dis tance, driving the enemy's skirmishers until they reached Camp Creek, where the enemy was discovered in force. In advancing across an open field in front of the enemy's works the companies lost one man mor tally wounded, and four wounded. The Regiment was REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. relieved in the evening by a portion of the Twentieth Corps and moved further "to the left" During the day Howard advanced through Dalton and nearly to Resaca, skirmishing all the way. McPherson, with Kil- patrick's cavalry in advance and Hooker on his left, advanced on the roads to Resaca. Palmer moving on the left was engaged all day in skirmishing. Scho- field's two divisions were to the left of Palmer, and Howard one mile from Schofield's left. General Johnston had formed his army with Polk on the left, ITardee in the center, and Hood on the right. His heaviest works were in front of Camp Creek, where the One Hundred and Fourth had been engaged. General Sherman had already prepared to get into the enemy's rear by having two pontoon bridges throwrn across the Oostenaula River three miles below Resaca, and had sent General Garrard's Cavalry Division to operate on the railroad, seven miles from the town at Callioun. On the 14th McPherson, crossing Camp Creek near the mouth, encountered Polk and drove him from the hills to his trenches. The whole line then, from Hook er's left, was slowly swung round on General John ston's Division of the Fourteenth Corps, as a pivot, Car- lin's Brigade being the first to encounter the foe. The rest of the army to the left then came successively into action. The One Hundred and Fourth wras formed with the Brigade in line of battle, with two companies out as skirmishers with orders to press the enemy hard. The advance was through thick woods and across an occasional opening. The enemy's works were on a hill back of an open field and as the Regiment came up and the skirmishers moved forward, a terrific fire wras opened upon it from every tree and log, and from their works below the hill. The skirmishing companies advanced within one hundred and fifty yards of their line, when firing was directed upon them from another line of trenches. They then sought such shelter as could be had and fought the enemy for two hours and until they kept very closely in the trenches, to which 204 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH all had been driven. Sergeant Arnold, of Company A.r collecting- his group behind a log, did good work, but they were much annoyed by a sharpshooter in a tree, until discovering where he was, the group fired by volley and brought him down rather faster than a regard for his health would warrant. The Brigade being unsupported made no charge upon the works and finally fell back to the shelter of the Creek. The Regiment lost one man killed and nine wounded. The casualties on the 13th and 14th were as follows: Killed — John Fenn, Company D. Mortally wounded— Sergeant Allen Benedict, Company A; Jacob Deffen- baugh, Company G. Wounded — Win. Barrett, B. W. Bagley and C. Christfeller, all of Company A ; Corporal F. E. Phelps and Oliver E. Griest, of Company B; First Sergeant David Bunker, Company C; First Sergeant Geo. Marsh, Company D; Corporal Daniel Mason, Com pany G; E. F. Mallory, Company I; First Sergeant C. G. ButterAveck, Company K; Henry Merkel, Company K; Augustus Rusner, Company K; Henry Cox, Com pany K. The heavy fighting of the day was farther to the left and was engaged in by Baird's and Davis' Divisions with various successes, aided by the Corps of Howard and Schofield, who drove the enemy from their rifle pits and into their works. An advanced line was gained from which our artillery reached the rebel main lines. The musketry and artillery firing was terriflftc all day. Finally General Johnston seeing that the lines were drawing closer around him resolved to take the offensive and try to turn Sherman's left flank. For this purpose he sent Stewart's and Steven son's Divisions and twTo Brigades of Walker. These troops were succeeding when they were met and hurled back in defeat by Williams' Division of the Twentieth Corps, aided by Simonson's Battery. By evening other troops arrived on the left, supported also by McCook's Cavalry. General Johnston ordered another assault to be made in the morning, but withdrew the order afterward. On the 15th the advantages gained the day before REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 205 were followed by bold aggressive movements on the left, but these were not in full headway until noon, when Geary and Butterfield, Williams in reserve, advanced. The enemy were again threatening that flank and Williams' Division was deflected to the left. Geary and Butterfield carried the nearest hills and drove the rebels from a battery, but could neither remove it nor hold the ground, however, retiring a lit tle, they kept the enemy from recapturing it, and hauled it off at night. Further to the right the entire line was engaged, particularly Howard. In front of the Army of the Cumberland, heavy firing and skirmish ing occurred all day. About five p. in. Stevenson's and Stewart's Divisions made a fierce attack for posi tion, but were repulsed with heavy loss, some regiments being nearly annihilated. The heavy artillery firing was a marked feature of the battles at Resaca. During the night Johnston withdrew his army across the Oostenaula, and on the 16th Sherman's entered Resaca, and prepared to pursue the enemy. But pontoon bridges had to be laid and this caused some delay. The Army of the Tennessee crossed at Lay's Ferry and Howard's Corps at Resaca. The Army of the Cum berland followed. The One Hundred and Fourth here received the knapsacks left at Snake Creek Gap and which had been left behind when the Regiment advanced. Cross ing on the 17th with the rest of the army, the Regi ment marched on over very muddy roads, during- the day passing through Calhoun. The combined armies advanced in the following order: Palmer following Howard; Hooker on the left; the Army of the Ohio to liis left; McPherson on the right, supported by Gar- rard's Cavalry; Stoneman's Cavalry on the extreme left. General Howard met with opposition early and fought all day, the rebels retiring from one position to another and watching for an opportunity to gain an advantage, but at night Johnston concluded to retreat further. It had been Genral Shrman's object to bring Johnston to battle north of the Etowah River 206 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH or make him give up Rome or Allatoona, therefore Davis' Division was started for the former place. On the 18th the movement was continued by all the armies, the One Hundred and Fourth marching toward Adairsville, bivouacking at night two miles from that place and three miles from Kingston. On the 19th the Regiment reached Kingston about noon. This place was found to be entirely deserted by the male popula tion. The streets were full of all kinds of goods which the people had attempted to remove. While eating dinner on the banks of a fine creek firing began in the front, indicating that the enemy was near. The Regi ment soon after marched to a bridge on the Etowah, four miles southwest of the town. The firing was upon Stanley's Division, which led the advance in the cen ter, but pressing forward the battery retreated, and Stanley, going four miles further met the enemy ad vancing in strong force in line of battle. Howard's Corps was deployed and the enemy halted, but under a vigorous artillery fire their first line fell back and Howard occupied the position and kept up skirmishing until dark. Hooker came up in the meantime. During the day the latter had been engaged on the road to Cass- ville, where appearances indicated that Johnston would give the battle. In anticipation of this General Sherman concentrated his armies. But Johnston dur ing the night crossed the Etowah with all of his mate rial and retreated to the strong defenses of Allatoona Pass. He had been reinforced by French's Division and was advised by Hardee to fight, but chose the wiser course, as Sherman could have beaten him at Cassville. General Davis during these operations cap tured Rome with a loss of 150 men, and with it the rebel machine shops and iron works, also vast amounts of cotton, etc., of great value to the rebels. The One Hundred and Fourth marched on the 20th to a point on the railroad four miles from Kingston,, where it remained until the 23d, to enjoy a much needed rest and to prepare for the next movementr which was likely to be long and arduous with plenty- REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 207 of fighting. During the halt all surplus baggage was sent to Chattanooga in charge of Sherman Leland. The regimental wagon was taken away and the Col onel and Adjutant carried necessary papers in their hats or pockets. The same stripping process was enforced throughout the army, the value of which appeared later on. The whole army was now halted on the line of the Etowah waiting for the repairs on the railroad to be completed. This was accomplished by the 24th, and cars loaded with supplies reached Kingston. Many reports were brought in by negroes that Johnston's army was greatly demoralized by con stant retreating and the failure to turn our flank at Keseca. From the beginning of the campaign the southern papers and people had predicted great things of General Johnston, and as he withdrew from one position to another, said that he wTa» only drawing Sherman on and when the time came would destroy or capture the whole "Yankee Army." In these hopes they had the sympathy of their northern friends, the Copperheads. That had been the talk, but, of course, their intelligent leaders knew better, and Johnston knew Sherman too well to delude himself. He could simply avert the evil day that was to close down in darkness over the Confederacy. Therefore he pursued the only wrise course by which he could save his army and by it served the rebel cause best. On the 20th General Sherman issued orders for his combined armies to move on the 23d. He did not pro pose to attack Johnston at the strong Allatoona Pass, but turn it by moving on Marietta via Dallas. This would oblige the enemy to come out and fight or again retreat. The Army of the Cumberland was, as usual, the central column and marched for Dallas via the Euharlee Valley and Stilesboro. Davis marched from Rome. The Army of the Ohio was on the left of Thomas and directed toward Burnt Hickory. McPherson kept on the right. All were to concentrate at Dallas. The country to be passed over wras wild, away from the railroad, and therefore rations for twenty days were 208 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH taken along in the wagons. The One Hundred and Fourth left camp at eight a. m. on the 23d, and going four miles down the river crossed by wading, then marched about five miles and camped near Euharlee Creek. McCook's Divisions of cavalry, which preceded Thomas, found the enemy in force and kept up skir mishing until night. The march was resumed on the 24th toward Burnt Hickory and skirmishing contin ued. Garrard's Cavalry on the extreme right was attacked during the day by Bates' Division of infantry, of Hardee's Corps. But at night Burnt Hickory was occupied by the Fourth and Twentieth Corps. The One Hundred and Fourth advancing three miles crossed Raccoon Creek and camped. The armies were now well on the way to Dallas and the motive of Sherman's advance became apparent to Johnston, who^ilso saw in it a menace to Marietta and Atlanta. He therefore hastened to make what resist ance he could. On the 25th the advance was contin ued with Hooker's Corps ahead in the center, but his three divisions were on separate roads, and as he approached Pumpkin Vine Creek, he found the bridge across the stream defended by the enemy's cavalry. Geary's Division drove it away and pursued beyond four miles near to a place called "New Hope," from a church of that name. Desiring to secure the roads here, which were important, Sherman directed Hooker to make the attempt. This brought on ax brisk engage ment between Geary's Division and a heavy force of the enemy which had come from Allatoona. Hooker's Divisions of Ward and Butterfield arrived on the scene and the contest was prolonged into the night, without any decisive result. The One Hundred and Fourth, with Carlin's Brigade, remained in camp during the 25th, and until one a. m. of the next morning. On the 26th the Regiment marching out on the Burnt Hickory Road crossed the Pumpkin Vine and took position on the east side about three miles from Dallas. The dawn of day revealed to Sherman the fact that Johnston with his army stood across his line of march protected REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. by heavy intrenchments. He was therefore reduced to you could not hire them to leave their masters.' Here were women and children, from infancy to extreme old REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 25fr age, starting on a journey of months' duration, hoping for freedom at the end. Orders were issued that they were not to be allowed to encumber our march, but if they kept in the rear and did their own foraging, they were not to be molested. Their numbers con tinuously increased day by day and night by night during our march. In the north, with few rivers to cross and no interminable swamps to wade through, a journey -might be made in a pleasant season of the year, camping out and with comparative comfort, but here was a motley crew of old and infirm and little children, setting out in the midst of winter, not cold, of course, but very chilly at night, so much so that our own soldiers frequently took turns in keeping up fires. These helpless creatures had full faith that to> follow us meant for them freedom! While to return, or be captured, meant death! That this was their thought was evidenced on a certain occasion when I was present. The incident occurred at the crossing of the Ebeneezer River, a deep but narrow stream. For some reason the pontoons were ordered to be taken up when the army had crossed. The practice had been to leave then down until our black followers were safely over. The negroes began to arrive and seized with dis may, plunged into the stream, alleging that the rebel cavalry were not far behind and that they would all be killed. Their pitiable condition and the certainty that large numbers would be drowned, induced our soldiers to fell trees across the stream for them to cross- on. However, some were drowned. It is also certain that many of the old and infirm perished by the wray. Certain large parties of them would attach themselves to certain brigades. They would learn the names and numbers of the regiments and generally manage to reach the commands during the night. In this way we learned to distinguish them from other parties and noted the fact that many old and feeble ones had dropped out. The uninitiated may wonder how this great mass of people managed to subsist on the long march of three hundred miles when the army was 260 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH always in advance. It is true that we always secured the best of everything and sometimes all there was, but they were encouraged to forage for themselves, and not only to forage provisions, but to press mules, horses, carts, wagons, etc., for their use. Besides, when we found the country full of provisions, we gave them much that was left over. Compelled to inarch in the rear they were frequently all night in catching up, not daring to sleep outside of our pickets. Besides, we frequently marched all night ourselves, which was extremely wearisome to all. Frequently, in these night marches we had to halt every few rods, not even at tempting to lie down, for we never knew how long the halt would last. It all depended on the width of the swamp and the energy and numbers of the pioneer corps. With all these delays the negroes had to be content as well as ourselves." The march of the One Hundred and Fourth on the 18th was toward Covington. On crossing the Yellow Biver it was found that the other two divisions of the Fourteenth Corps had torn up the railroad for a dis tance of ten miles. In the afternoon the Begiment arrived at Covington, which was found to be a pretty town of some fifteen hundred people. Sergeant McLain says: "What attracted my eye most w^as the pretty girls of which the town was full. But I must say that, with one exception, I did not see a person whose position and worldly circumstances entitled them to prominence among the rebels, who was friendly to our «ause, and I was not surprised at all when I heard a few days afterward that several of our men who were unwell and had straggled in the rear, were captured by the citizen enemy, taken to Covington and hanged. In passing through the town our ranks were closed up, the flags unfurled and the bands treated the citizens with some patriotic music that, however much they hated, they had to listen to." At night the Begiment camped beyond the Big Hayne's Creek, nine miles from Covington. Meantime the Twentieth Corps had been busy in destroying the railroad a few miles ahead at REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 261 Social Circle, which was fifty miles from Atlanta. Howard had demonstrated with the Army of the Ten nessee and Kilpatrick's cavalry on Macon. The latter actually got inside the rebel defenses, but could not hold them and fell, back on the infantry, a brigade of which (Walcutt's) was attacked by1 G. W. Smith's rebel force from Macon. However, this brigade, which was armed with Spencer's repeaters, made havoc among the rebels, who retreated to their works. The Fourteenth Corps was marching on the 19th direct for Milledgeville. The One Hundred and Fourth made twelve miles and camped beyond Sandtown, a place of three or four houses. Some extensive foraging was done in the evening. The army was now in the midst of a rich country and did not fail to live on the fat of the land. Bacon, fowls, meal, sweet potatoes and molasses were appropriated in liberal quantities. No hostile foe had before trodden this part of the sacred soil of Georgia and the South, and the people had an opportunity to realize what war meant when brought to their own doors. The One Hundred and Fourth marched twenty miles on the 20th, camping late on Whitfield's Plantation, the owner of which owned two- hundred and fifty negroes and, of course, was a rebeL The march of the 21st was rendered unpleasant by a hard, cold rain storm. The Regiment made only nine miles and camped. The One Hundred and Fourth started early on the 22d; .the storm had cleared away and it was cold. In the distance could be seen the flames of burning buildings in Eatonton, where the Twentieth Corps had preceded us. A halt was made four miles beyond in a pine grove. Large fires were kept up all night. The 23d opened up bright and clear and the Regiment, marching early, halted for dinner on Ho well Cobb's Plantation, which was very large and splendid. When it was known that the a'rch traitor, Howell Cobb, owned this princely domain, the army proceeded to strip it of all things that would be of use, and left it in a state of ruin. The One Hundred and Fourth was approaching the environs of the capital 262 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH through one of the richest and finest sections of the State, which it was evident belonged to the wealthy classes. These were now to contribute to the support of the army and made to feel the rigors of war. The enemy had not made any preparations for the defense of Milledgeville, being led to believe that Macon would be attacked on account of the large number of fac tories and war supplies there, which they w^ere anxious to preserve, all the time forgetting that Sherman's army, by destroying the railroads to Macon, could ren der their material useless. So completely had they been deceived, that they removed all the militia from the capital city, and liberating the convicts in the penitentiary, armed them and sent them to Macon. Kilpatrick's cavalry sud denly entered the city on the 21st and the dismay and confusion among the people and in the Legisla ture, then in session, was beautiful to behold. The exit of Governor Brown and his brother rebels in freight cars, in carriages and on foot before Kilpat- rick's troopers, is said to have been comical. Their archives were left behind. The Twentieth Corps reached the city on the 22d. Sergeant McLain, describing the march of the 23d, says: "Our route lay through beautiful scenery enhanced by the splen did weather. The landscape is neither a broad level plain nor rugged mountain, but the country is undu lating, studded with timber, with a creek running through it, giving a beauty such as the eye loves to dwell upon. All nature was in her Sunday best, win ter had not set in here and the meadows were as green as in May. During the march we passed the planta tion of Lee Gordon, a Lieutenant in the rebel army. This is said to be the finest and best kept plantation in all Georgia. The gardens and lawns are elegant. Over all presides Mrs. Lee Gordon, surrounded with negro servants and every accessory of wealth." The One Hundred and Fourth, marching amidst such scenes as these, at last reached the suburbs of Mil ledgeville and under strict orders remained in camp. REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 263 But it is to be presumed that some of the boys man aged to see the rebel capital that evening. The troops that had preceded them fared better in the matter of sightseeing. The state arsenal was filled with arms of all kinds, spears, lances and murderous bowie-knives among them. These were carried oft' as curiosities, but soon destroyed. The state paper, or scrip, was found in abundance in the capitol and some of this taken along with the other things. The evening of the 23d closed with all of the left wing in and around Mil- ledgeville and the right at Gordon, twelve miles dis tant. Our men found here newspapers of late date from all over the South. Some of these represented that Sherman and his soldiers were fleeing for their lives to the sea coast, and called on the people to rise in their might and destroy them. It seems strange that people could be so imposed upon by such stuff, but no doubt many were. However, the people of Georgia cfid not "rise in their might"1 to any great extent. General Beauregard, from the safe distance of Corinth, Miss., issued the following bombastic ap peal : "To the people of Georgia! Arise for the defense of your native soil! Rally around your patriotic Gov ernor and gallant soldiers ! Obstruct and destroy all the roads in Sherman's front, flank and rear, and his army will soon starve in your midst. Be confident. Be reso lute. Trust in an overruling Providence, and success will crown your efforts. I hasten to join you in the defense of your homes and firesides. G. T. Beaure gard." "Uncle Billy" and his boys only smiled on pe rusing such crazy appeals as the above. They could well afford to. One hundred miles had been successfully traversed and without any fighting worth mentioning. The army had lived high on the products of Georgia and were growing fatter and stronger every day. They had come to look on the trip as a grand picnic and ^vere not getting tired, but more anxious to prolong it, if anything. In this spirit the army again set out on the 24th, first, however, burning the arsenal, peniten tiary and a few other buildings. There was undoubt- 264 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH edly a feeling of relief among the rebels when the last troops left, and also many curses mixed with prayers for the destruction of Sherman and his army in the swamps of Georgia. The left wing was to move to Sandersville by Davisboro and Louisville; the right was to follow the Savannah Railroad, and the cavalry to strike for Millen, one hundred miles distant. The rebel General Wheeler was now in front with his cav alry,' and General Hardee had been sent to Georgia to turn the tide of invasion if possible. The One Hundred and Fourth marching on the 25th, passed through the city and crossing the Oconee River on a covered bridge which the enemy had failed to burn, soon entered the piney woods region and camped at two p. m. at Town Creek Mills. The Brigade, which had taken a cross road, came to a house filled with goods which the owner had concealed. The stock was estimated to be worth sixty thousand dollars. Those goods were quickly sampled and some of them distributed, every soldier taking what he wanted, but a partiality was shown for paper collars. The Regiment performed picket duty at this place, called Wood's Plantation, until the afternoon of the 25th. The left wing being well closed up on the 25th the march was resumed on the 26th, the One Hundred and Fourth reaching the big Buffalo swamp at noon, w^hich was crossed with much trouble, the men picking their way frequently on fallen trunks of trees. The last regiments of the command did not get through until midnight and were lighted on their way by torches. The Regiment bivouacked on a sandy ridge. At dawn of the 27th it started again and waded another swamp, then proceeded and reached Sandersville at noon. The court house, jail and other buildings had been burned by our advance forces, the rebels having made some resistance here. There was a delay of several hours on account of having to wait for the passage of the cavalry train and droves of cattle that were taken along, so that the Regiment did not leave town until dark and then marched until midnight. On the 28th; REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 265 the march was resumed toward Louisville. On the way the First Division of the Twentieth Corps was found to be engaged in destroying the Georgia Cen tral Railroad. At night the One Hundred and Fourth camped at ten p. m. five miles west of Louisville. The 29th was opened with an early march. The Regiment crossed the Ogeechee River and soon after Rocky Creek, where, for the first time, cypress trees and palms were seen, .an indication of a more tropical climate. Innumerable swamps now appeared and one of these was passed through over two miles of cordu roy road. The Regiment went into camp four miles beyond Louisville. General Kilpatrick, who had been sent to Millen to liberate the Federal prisoners, find ing they had been removed, started toward Augusta and met Wheeler's cavalry, with whom he skirmished some time and then withdrew to Louisville. Mean time the main army steadily advanced toward Millen. Leland says of the 30th: "Our Brigade being in ad vance, the march was easier and at sundown we went into camp two miles east of Sebastopol Station on the Central Railroad. We found to-day an abundance of forage, such as pork, poultry and meal. The weather proved to be very warm." C. C. Courtright, of Com pany G, says: "The negroes had a grand jubilee after dark; the boys built a platform, provided a fiddle, and the darkies more than hoed it down, one old fellow dancing on his head, and keeping time to the music." A short march of five miles was made on the 1st of December and the Regiment halted for the day at nine a. m. on a plantation called Nazareth. On the 2d the march was resumed at noon and extended in all directions, first toward Millen, then toward Augusta, which Kilpatrick, with Baird's Division, was threatening. After marching some miles and until after dark, the command bivouacked in an open field. On the 3d the Augusta Railroad was reached by the One Hundred and Fourth at Lumpkin Station and the Twentieth Corps was engaged in tearing up and burn ing the iron and ties. Before leaving on the 4th the 266 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH Regiment assisted in further destroying the road and then marched to Habersham, arriving at noon. At night a halt was made in a pine forest a few miles in advance and ten miles from Millen. The Seventeenth Corps entered the latter place on the 3d. Kilpatrick had demonstrated and fought Wheeler at Waynesboro, supported by Baird. By this movement one good day's march toward Savannah had been gained and Wheeler prevented from annoying the main army and the trains. The enemy could not remain much longer in ignorance of Sherman's real objective. On the 5th the One Hundred and Fourth marched fourteen miles on the Savannah road through a sparsely settled coun try covered with sivamps, and camped after dark at Lawton's Mills on Beaver Dam Creek. The whole army was converging on Savannah by four parallel roads. McLaw's rebel division and some militia had been thrown in front of Sherman at Ogeechee Church, about fifty miles from Savannah, but on the approach of the Seventeenth Corps on the 5th retreated toward Savannah, leaving their newly made works. General Wheeler in the rear was kept at bay by Kilpatrick's cavalry. The army was fast approaching the sea, and the country became poorer in appearance, with houses and settlements fewer and far between. Intermin able pine and cypress swamps prevailed. Provisions and forgae became scarcer, but their place was supplied by rice, which grew abundantly along the rivers in this part of the state and was harvested by the boys. The main roads were good, the weather fine and everybody in high spirits. McLaw fell back steadily until he was safe within the defense of Savannah. Some of his men being taken prisoners affirmed that the army could never take Savannah. The One Hundred and Fourth marched seventeen miles on the 6th all the way near the Savannah River just across which the sand hills of South Carolina rose into view. On the way a rebel steamboat, the "Swan," was sunk by one of our bat teries. She was loaded with corn for Savannah. No other incident of importance marked the day. At night REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 267 the camp fires of Sherman's army made of blazing pine knots, illuminated the whole country, and were sur rounded by as joyous a lot of soldiers as ever went to war. On the 7th the One Hundred and Fourth led the advance of the Division over heavy roads which had been blockaded where they crossed the swamps. This work had been done by citizens and negroes, the lat ter being run off a little later into South Carolina. Sergeant McLain says of the movements of the 8th: "After marching until noon we halted for dinner and while thus engaged a rebel gunboat came down the river and fired several shots at the head of our column; then returned up the river. That night the Regiment camped on Ebeneezer Island, near a very old church of the same name. It was built in 1769 and used by General Greene's army as a hospital in the Revolu tionary war. The church, which was of brick and inside had an old-fashioned pulpit and high-backed pews, stood in a very picturesque spot in a pine forest on the bank of the river. Near by were the remains of an old fort built by Governor Jared Irwin in the early settlement of the country. One in looking over these ancient relics is forcibly struck with the antique appearance of everything. The forest, the fort, the old Ebeneezer homestead, and the church, carried the mind back to other days. The waters of the Savannah on the left flow silently by wending their way to the ocean. The island showed ample evidence of former high cul tivation and prosperity. As one reflects on the many changes he cannot but wonder how many of the descendants of those noble old sires who built the church and fort, are now in arms against the Govern ment their forefathers fought to establish." The One Hundred and Fourth marched on the 9th over roads which had been blockaded with fallen trees. Cannonading was heard in front. Another swamp was crossed and some time after dark the Regiment camped near the forks of a road where the rebels had built a fort. Our advance had driven them from this with 268 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH slight resistance. Owing to the heavy blockade of the road the Regiment made only five miles on the lOtk and frequently paused to build new roads. At night a halt was made on the railroad ten miles from Savan nah. Some of the boys went out foraging and returned well laden with fodder, pork and poultry. On the llth of December the One Hundred and Fourth, marching six miles, arrived within five miles of Savannah and constructed breastworks. Here it supported Prescott's Battery, First Illinois Artillery. Before the army now closing in lay "Fair Savannah," surrounded by exten sive systems of fortifications and defended by an army under General Hardee. The llth closed with an almost complete line of investment by our forces. The left of the Twentieth Corps rested on the Savannah Kiver, next to it were the Seventeenth and Fifteenth. Corps, and the Fourteenth on the right. On the 12th the One Hundred and Fourth crossed the Savannah and Ogeechee canal, moved up a quarter of a mile and built a heavy line of works under fire of the rebel bat teries, situated on the opposite side of a flooded rice swamp. The Fifteenth Corps, being relieved by the Seventeenth, marched down the Ogeechee Kiver to ward Fort McAllister. This barrier stood in the way of communication with the fleet, which, under Admiral Dahlgren, had been sent with supplies to await the arrival of Sherman's army, and was then in Ossabaw Sound and vicinity, below the fort. The first step taken by General Sherman was to prepare for the capture of Fort McAllister. The Sec ond Division of the Fifteenth Corps, under General Hazen, was selected for the assault, to which it moved on the 13th, from King's Bridge, fourteen miles below. Captain Duncan and tAvo others of Sherman's best scouts had on the evening of the 12th quietly floated down the Ogeechee in a skiff under cover of the dark ness past the fort, and reported Sherman's arrival to the fleet. General Kilpatrick was also sent with cav alry to reconnoiter the position, which he did. General Sherman, to hasten so important a movement, and REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 260 leaving the main army for the time, repaired to King's Bridge and on the 13th witnessed the storming of Fort McAllister from one of our signal stations situated on a rice mill some three miles from the enemy. The fort had been built with reference to attack from the sea, while the land side was wreaker, but protected by ditch and abatis. Rice fields extended northward and west ward bordered with timber. Late in the afternoon Hazen's Division was seen to advance across the rice fields to the assault in firm steady columns with col ors flying. Instantly the defenders of the fort opened fire from their heavy guns, but Hazen's men, in three lines, moved briskly on until the skirmishers, gaining the abatis and felled live oaks in front of the parapet, were enabled to pick off the rebel gunners. With shouts and yells the soldiers rushed over the obstruc tions and into the works. The garrison of two hun dred and fifty men, under Major Anderson, then sur rendered. Thirty-six heavy guns were among the tro phies. Just as the lines wrere moving to the assault the smokestacks of a stamer were descried coming up the river below the fort. The signal officer was notified of Sherman's presence, and soon after of the capture of McAllister. In this affair Hazen lost ninety- two men, the rebels about fifty. Sherman resolved to visit the fleet that night, so, accompanied by General Howard and several of his Staff who acted as crew, he started down the river in a skiff. On the way, learning from our soldiers below that General Hazen was at the McAllister house, a landing was made and a late supper eaten with Hazen and his Staff. Major Anderson was also present as a guest. After supper the party inspected Fort McAllister by moonlight and saw the dead and living lying side by side, some to wake no more, others dreaming perchance of the fierce assault and^ victory. Sherman and party then em barked, and after going six miles further, reached the boat Dandelion, a tender to the regular gunboat "Flag." It is hardly necessary to say that the reception by the officers of the Dandelion was hearty and that there 270 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH was joy all round. General Sherman then learned the latest news from the North and about the mails and supplies awaiting his army. The rest of the night was spent in interviews with General Foster and Admiral Dahlgren. The 14th was given to the completion of arrangements for forwarding supplies to King's bridge on the Ogeechee, for distribution to the army. Sher man then returned to Howard's headquarters. Meantime some preliminary movements had been begun looking to the reduction of Savannah. One of these was an attempt to close Hardee's only avenue of escape by pontoon over the river and plank cause way into South Carolina, but this failed. On the night of the 15th Colonel Hobart, w^ith the One Hundred and Fourth and two other regiments of his Brigade, made a reconnoissance to ascertain the pos sibility of crossing the swamp, or submerged rice fields, between his position and the rebel lines. The boys waded in for a considerable distance. In places the water was deep, reaching to the armpits of some. The route taken was found to be impracticable, and the enemy becoming alarmed and opening fire, the com mand was ordered back to camp, where it arrived wet, cold and disgusted with Georgia swamps. The next night Lieutenant James M. Wright, of Company I, a brave and venturesome officer, deter mined to find some way of crossing the swamp if it could be done. He set out alone on a different route from that taken the night before, and succeeded in reaching a low-lying bank of firm ground at the edge of the timber, which he supposed was the boundary of the swamp on the enemy's side, and on top of which was an old rail fence. Lieutenant Wright's private expedition being re ported to Colonel Hobart, the latter, on the afternoon of the 19th, ordered Major Widmer to cross on the route discovered by Wright, and reconnoiter the woods on the rebel side of the swamp that night to find out if there was room to form the Brigade on firm ground between the swamp and the enemy's main line of works, , REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 271 which were in the woods and out of sight from our side of the swamp, excepting a lunette for three guns, which was on the rebel edge of the swamp and in full view. Colonel Hobart told Major Widmer to use his own judgment as to the number of men to make the trip, to take the whole Regiment if he thought it necessary, or go alone if he wanted to, but, ,at all eArents, to get the required information that night. The Major selected Captain Proctor, Lieutenant Wright, Mark Purviance and William Frink, all of Company I, to go with him. Each was armed with two revolvers, and carried a light pole with which to feel the depth of the water, and all went bareheaded, so as not to be readily distinguishable from other objects in the dark. The night was extremely dark and the party proceeded to work its Avay across the swamp with the utmost caution, as no part of the route taken was more than three hundred yards from the rebel lunette, and it was known that the enemy at night had pickets out on several dikes that extended part way across the swamp. At length the bank found by Wright on his former trip was reached, but it was discovered that a canal or feeder for the rice swamp, about twenty feet wide and filled with water six feet deep, lay between the bank and the mainland. How to cross was the ques tion. By using his pole Major Widmer found a sub merged log lying across the feeder, and on it, he, Cap tain Proctor, and Lieutenant Wright passed over, leav ing Frink and Purviance to guard the crossing. The ground was carefully explored up to the rebel line of works, and it was found there was room to form the Brigade between the feeder and that line. After an absence of more than four hours the party returned to our side of the swamp. Major Widmer, reporting to Colonel Hobart that the route was practicable, was ordered to select one hundred men of the One Hun dred and Fourth to lead an assault on the rebel works the following night. Looking to that end he had poles prepared to use as sleepers for a bridge across the 272 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH feeder, on which rails from the old fence were to be laid; torches were also made, to be used if necessary, and the detachment was held ready to make the assault whenever ordered. There is no doubt it would have been successful, but the evacuation of the enemy that night rendered it unnecessary. Soon after our army reached the city Colonel Hobart received his brevet as Brigadier-General for his activity during the siege, and he complimented Major Widmer's party by giving them a banquet at his headquarters, which was enjoyed by all in true army style. During the time between the 12th and 21st the One Hundred and Fourth in addition to taking part in the adventure of the 15th, was fully occupied in guarding its line of a mile in length. Narrow dikes ran across the rice swamps and both armies watched the ap proaches to these. They were also commanded by artillery. There w^as much foraging done in the coun try around Savannah, but pending the arrival of sup plies the boys hulled rice to help out the rations. C. C. Courtright, speaking of this, says: "We pounded (or hulled) rice in mess pans with the butts of our guns ; however, not being able to get all the hulls off, when eating the rice some of it scratched all the way down." Leland notes that the army at this time looked well and hearty with hardly a case of sick ness in the Regiment. He also says: "On the 16th we received our first mail from the North. In the evening we heard a rebel band playing 'Dixie' and 'Home, Sweet Home/ As the lovely strains came floating to us across the water some of us felt blue. While here twenty-seven Union soldiers came in. They had been prisoners of war for over a year and joined the rebel army as the quickest way of reaching our lines." Frank W. Burns, of Company I, postmaster of the First Division, says: "The largest mail ever received by rfie was at Savannah. It took a six-mule army wagon loaded to the big canvas cover to carry it. Three REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 273 hundred dollars' worth of stamps which I obtained for the Division was only a fraction of what were wanted for the first mail out from Savannah and I was kept busy franking letters that there were no stamps for." General Sherman had sent for heavy siege guns, and was preparing to assault the rebel works, which after careful reconnoitering it was decided could be done successfully. By the 17th his supplies were com ing in from sea in great quantities. On that date he made a formal demand through a flag of truce on General Hardee for the surrender of the city. On the 18th an answer refusing to surrender was returned. General Sherman, directing Howard and Slocum to continue the preparations for assault, left at once by sea for Hilton Head to confer with General Foster and arrange with him to send General John P. Hatch's DiAdsion to Savannah for the purpose of operating on and taking possession of the old plank causeway on the South Carolina side, w^hich was Hardee's only ave nue of escape left to him. This matter was settled and Sherman set out on his return on the 20th. Being delayed by low tide he did not arrive near Savannah until the 21st, and was met on the way by a staff officer with the news of the fall of Savannah that morning. Hardee had retreated across the river into South Carolina during the night of the 20th with his army of about fifteen thousand men and the light artil lery, after blowing up some of the public property, but vast quantities remained and were captured by our army. Among other trophies were two hundred and fifty cannon which he left unspiked; all the railroad rolling stock; thirty-one thousand bales of cotton belonging to the Confederate Government, and much other material. Early on the morning of the 21st our pickets had discovered that the rebel works were aban doned. Upon hearing this Slocum and Howard marched their troops in. Geary's Division claimed to be the first to reach the heart of the city. The One Hundred and Fourth, crossing the rice swamp in front on a dike, marched to the Chimney Fort and bivou- 274 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH acked under the cedars and live oaks around Lqwton's house. On the 22nd the Regiment marched through the principal streets of the city and was charmed with its beautiful appearance, so different from anything seen before. There was a decidedly tropical air about everything. The houses with broad and latticed veran das, the yards filled with rare flowers in bloom, the palm and orange trees, were interesting sights to behold. The live oaks, draped with Spanish moss (Til- la ndsia) adorned the streets and parks. It would be hard to describe the feelings of satisfaction that per vaded all on this triumphal march, the fitting sequel to the campaign begun early in November, and with some misgiving. The result had been attained with out any battle on the three hundred miles' journey and proved the wisdom of General Sherman when he conceived the project that was to add to his fame as a commander and strategist, even more than did the Atlanta campaign. The One Hundred and Fourth having shared in the army's triumph on the 22nd, inarched out two miles northward and wreut into camp. On the march from Atlanta the loss to Sherman's army in killed, wounded and missing amounted in the aggregate to 764 men; 1,338 prisoners were captured. As on the fall of Atlanta the North had been excited to the highest pitch of enthusiasm, so the announce ment that Sherman and his army had arrived safely before the walls of Savannah, was greeted with new rejoicing, to find more emphatic expression two weeks later, when the city had fallen. There was double cause for the National gratitude and happiness, for the speedy downfall of the great rebellion was assured. The battle of Nashville had been fought on the 15th and 16th of December, and a signal victory obtained by the army under General George H. Thomas, over the rebel General Hood, who had with him the old Army of the Tennessee, that bore on its banners the historic names of every great battlefield from Donel- son and Shiloh to Atlanta, and had learned the art of war under Albert Sidney Johnston, Beauregard, Bragg REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 275 and Joseph E. Johnston. The two armies were about equal in numbers, but a part of General Thomas' army was composed of new recruits, negro soldiers and con valescents from the vast hospitals of Nashville. Gen eral Thomas, assuming the offensive against Hood's veteran troops posted on the hills around Nashville, defeated them in fierce assaults, extending over two days. The results were most decisive, the enemy los ing a large number in killed and wounded, thirteen thousand prisoners and nearly all of their artillery. A feeble remnant of a few thousand found its way back to Alabama in a demoralized condition, but the proud and almost invincible Army of the Tennessee, with its glorious record, went down in ruin at Nash ville before the "Rock of Chickamauga." As a fair, open test of American valor and a battle on a large scale that was fought and finished on an open field, that of Nashville stands alone. The One Hundred and Fourth had its representatives there to the number of seventy-five, soldiers of Sherman's army, who had been wounded or sent back on account of sickness. A pro visional division of the Fourteenth Corps, composed of convalescents, had been formed under General Steed- man and rendered good service in the battle. Cap tain C. K. Brown, of Company C; Lieutenant S. V. Arnold, of Company A, and Lieutenant P. Talbot, of Company B, commanded each a company. Lieutenant Arnold, of Company A, says: "There were about four hundred of our Brigade in the battle. After it was over we followed Steedman to Decatur in pifrsuit of Hood's remaining forces. There some brisk fighting was done. The Fourteen Corps detachment was then sent to Chattanooga and the several companies assigned to patrol duty from that city south and east. My com pany was stationed at Ringgold, Georgia, where I acted as Provost Marshal from January 20th to February 24th, 1865. Besides myself there were Sergeant Frank Pickens, O. Riley and Fuller, of Company A; also many others from different companies of the One Hundred, and Fourth. I will add that I performed at Ringgold 276 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH iny most difficult and dangerous service during the war, as we were constantly raided by Gatewood's and McDonald's bands of guerrillas. They were restive, and knowing every foot of the country, we were kept on the alert watching them and their spies, and protect ing our stores. To our great delight, on March 15th, 1865, the detachments were ordered to rejoin Sher man's army. Going by way of Parkersburg, West Vir ginia, Alexandria, and by sea to Moorehead Gity, N. C., at last we reached our commands at Goldsboro, in time to help close the war near Raleigh." The battle of Nashville, the march to the sea, and the fall of Savannah are all to be regarded as parts of one great movement that settled forever the fate of the Confed eracy. No great and organized rebel army now re mained in all the southwest to be conquered. The "march to the sea" had demonstrated the weakness of the South and the folly of its further resistance. Only the finishing blow needed to be given to Lee's army at Richmond. On General Sherman's arrival at Savannah he had been requested by General Grant to transport his army, when Savannah should be taken, to Virginia, but on further reflection another course was pursued and Sherman's army left to sweep like a whirlwind northward through the States of South and North Carolina. The army remained in and near Savannah during the greater part of January, 1865, enjoying a well- earned rest and preparing for another campaign. Dur ing this time the One Hundred and Fourth lived in comfortable quarters built by the men, and improved the opportunity to see the city and surrounding coun try at leisure. On January 9th Colonel Hapeman went home on a thirty days' leave of absence and Major Widmer commanded the Regiment. Captain M. Osman, of Company A, and Jeremiah Grove, of Company E, being taken sick, were sent to the hospital. The lat ter, who had been a good soldier, unfortunately died on February 9th. The writer, while Sherman's army was marching to the sea, having escaped from the rebel REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 277 prison pen at Columbia, S. C., on the evening of Novem ber 28th, was also marching through the swamps of the South, arriving after ten days' journey by field and flood, at the mouth of the Santee River, S. C., and was rescued by the U. S. Steamer Nipsic, from hell. Going north and reporting at Washington, he returned after a short leave of absence to Charleston, S. C., which had just been evacuated by the rebels. Remaining here a month or more, he was put in command of the First Battalion, Third Brigade of the "Coast Division," under General John P. Hatch, who commanded the Department. Captain M. Osman, who also arrived there, commanded another battalion. In April both were ordered to join their regiment, then marching through North Carolina, and thus were enabled to witness the death throes and attend the funeral of Johnston's army near Raleigh. While in prison the waiter became acquainted with Lieutenant Byers, of the Fifth Iowa Cavalry, whose famous song of "Sher man's March to the Sea," composed by him in prison, is deemed so appropriate as to merit an introduction here. Our camp-fires shone bright on the mountain That frowned on the river below, While we stood by our guns in the morning And eagerly watched for the foe, When a rider came out of the darkness That hung over mountain and tree, And shouted, "Boys, up and be ready, For Sherman will march to the sea." Then shout after shout for bold Sherman Went up from each valley and glen, And the bugles re-echoed the music That fell from the lips of the men; For we knew that the stars on our banner More bright in their splendor would be, And that blessings from Northland would greet us When Sherman marched down to the sea. Then forward, boys, forward to battle! We marched on our wearisome way, And we stormed the wild hills of Resaca. God bless those who fell on that day! Then Kei.esaw, dark in his glory, Looked down on the flag of the free, But the East and the West bore our standard When Sherman marched down to the sea. 278 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH Still onward. we pressed, till our banners Swept out from Atlanta's grim walls, And the blood of the patriot dampened The soil where the traitor's flag falls. But we paused not to weep for the fallen Who slept by each river and tree, Yet we twined them a wreath of the laurel As Sherman marched down, to the sea. O, proud was our army that morning, That stood where the pine proudly towers, When Sherman said, "Boys, you are weary — This day fair Savannah is ours." Then sang we a song for our Chieftain That echoed o'er river and sea; For the stars on our banner shone brighter When Sherman had marched to the sea. While in Savannah General Sherman and other officers of high rank occupied fine private residences. The city was, under the iron hand of strict military discipline. The population, of some twenty thousand white and black, were protected and their rights respected, yet the rebel papers in the South represented that rapine and pillage prevailed, the object being to keep alive the dying embers of the rebellion and the spirit of hatred. The ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ were not unduly imbued with love for their enemies. One of them, as Sherman Leland relates,, called on General Sherman and asked if he would be allowed, in his pulpit, to pray for Jeff Davis. "Cer tainly," replied the General, "Jeif. Davis and the devil —both need praying for." Captain Strawn contrib utes the following interesting narrative of his impres sions and experiences on the march to the sea: "The campaign from Atlanta to the sea remains on my mind as a kind of half-forgotten dream, now gay and light some, now troubled and grewsome. We had no fight ing worthy of the name, but occupied ourselves chiefly in marching from one fertile valley to another, remov ing the substance of the land on our way toward Savannah. Supplies for the army were abundant, but we had to collect them. Details of foragers were sent out daily to gather in the fat of the land. Strange supplies were sometimes secured on the sly, and sent REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS. 279 home as souvenirs. One man was reported to have sent home considerable silver plate. Another brought me for transportation a horn comb! It is but just to say, however, that most of our men scorned to lay hands on anything of value not really needed for the army. There were some notable exceptions. It could not be expected that among so many tens of thousands there would be no rogues, gamblers, thieves and rob bers, before they joined the army. Their natural inclinations remained — to get money without earning it; therefore, it is not strange that, now and then, they disgraced themselves and the array. I have said that we found our line of travel well stocked .with food supplies, the collecting of which occupied much of our time. There was one other matter that helped to amuse and vary the usual routine. This was the destruction of the railroads leading to our rear. If the embankments of the road we desired to destroy were high and steep a whole brigade sometimes placed itself along the line and laid hold of the rails, and, at a given signal, heaved the whole outfit down the grade. If the ground was comparatively level we had tongs and other tools for the purpose in view\ The rails were wrenched from the ties, which were then piled up far enough apart for the rails to reach; other ties were then piled underneath and fire set to them. When red hot the rails were seized with wrenches and twisted out of shape; sometimes they were wound around trees if convenient. On the latter part of our march food and forage were not so abundant as at first. We had to use rice as a substitute for bread, most of it unhulled if not in the straw, too. Within a short time after going into camp, one could hear the pounding of the improvised pestles and mortars separating the hull from the kernel. This substitute for bread was very healthy and nourishing, but we welcomed the arrival of the Government cracker, facetiously called by the boys 'hard-tack' and 'Lincoln platforms/ Savannah, which on arrival Ave invested, was difficult 280 THE ONE HUNDRED AND FOURTH of approach, not only on account of its defenses, con sisting of vast earthworks and forts, mounted with hundreds of cannon, but the rebels had flooded all of the land approaches by means of the great ditches intersecting the rice fields in all directions, and which had been made for the purposes of irrigation. The opposite ends of the dikes were guarded by cannon supported by infantry. These dikes were only wide enough for two or three soldiers to traverse at the same time. The One Hundred and Fourth will remember well its experience one dark night in line of battle, try ing to wade through the flooded rice field in our front, hoping to surprise the enemy and make a lodgment in their works. We advanced as silently as possible, splashing through the water. The rebels hearing the noise opened on us, but did no damage. But as they were apprised of our approach we fell back to dry land. A few days after the enemy abandoned Savannah and with bounding hearts we took up the line of march into the city. I have never since then attempted to lead a pokey horse but what I am reminded of an incident that occurred to me while on this march. I was pull ing along a very slow nag by the bits, when I was hailed by Phil Hawk, of Company G, as follows: